Flowering currant: location, flowering time & the best varieties

Did you know that the flowering currant, unlike classic currants, is kept as an ornamental plant? It appeals for its low requirements and colourful flowers.

The flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is a species of currant (Ribes), native to western North America and also known as redflower currant. As one of the first bloomers in the garden, this shrub from the gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae) attracts the eyes of people as well as beneficial insects with its red flowers. In this article, you will learn what location a flowering currant needs, when exactly it blooms and how best to care for it.

Flowering currant: flower, origin and properties

Fruit plays only a minor role in all varieties of flowering currant – they are generally planted for their ornamental value. The redflower currant grows upright and can reach a height of 2.5 m and a width of about 2 m. Flowers develop from grey to reddish-brown shoots as early as March in sheltered locations before they begin to bloom at the same time as the leaves emerge. The flowers are about 5 to 10 mm in size and form together in clusters about 7 cm long. The flowering currant, with its modest nectar and pollen value, is not a particularly popular plant with pollinators. However, it is visited by bumblebees (Bombus) and the hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes) because it blooms so early. Then, from about July onwards, dark purple berries with a blue coating ripen to about 1 cm in size. These are readily eaten by native birds.

When does the flowering currant bloom? Depending on the variety, the pink to dark red or white flowers of the redflower currant have their blooming period from March to June, which varies mainly depending on the location. For example, if the flowering currant is planted in an exposed location, the flowering period will be shorter than if it is planted in a sheltered location or warmer region.

The best varieties

Since the wild form of Ribes sanguineum is hardly ever sold in this country, we present some alternative varieties here. The difference is mostly in the growth and flowers, although the requirements are relatively similar.

• ˈAtrorubensˈ: Probably the best known variety with up to 2 m growth height and numerous pink to dark red flowers. Grows tightly upright.

• ˈCarneumˈ: Tall-growing variety up to 2.5 m; smaller, light pink flowers.

• ˈKing Edward VIIˈ: Suits smaller hedge planting due to stocky habit; blooms blood red.

• ˈKojaˈ: With a maximum growth height of 1 m, the smallest variety of Ribes sanguineum grows bushy and bears dark pink flowers.

• ˈPulborough Scarletˈ: The largest variety with a maximum growth height of 3 m, dark pink to deep red flowers with white centre. Rapid and very upright growth.

• ˈWhite Icicleˈ: A fairly new variant. Only white flowering variety with upright growth to a maximum of 2 m.

Tip: There are two related species that can tolerate deep shade, salt, root pressure and even being consumed by wild animals. We are talking about the insect-friendly alpine currant (Ribes alpinum), which is native to our region, and the North American golden currant (Ribes aureum).

Growing flowering currant bushes

When planting flowering currants, you need to pay attention to the correct location. Although Ribes sanguineum has relatively low requirements and thrives in many places, it is most comfortable in a sunny and warm spot. The redflower currant will thank you for this with stronger growth and more flowers than in partial shade.

Tip: In a sheltered location such as against a wall, you can expect earlier and longer flowering.

The shallow-rooted flowering currant likes sandy, moderately rich, moist, well-drained and slightly acidic soil without waterlogging. To plant, dig a planting hole about twice the size and depth of the root ball. Water the flowering currant bush thoroughly and then fill around it. To ensure that the plant has enough nutrients, we recommend filling the planting hole with high-quality, nutrient-rich soil, such as our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost. This is already pre-fertilised with a primarily organic fertiliser and is also peat-free. To loosen heavy and impermeable soils, we recommend loosening the soil around the planting hole with a fork and to mix coarser components such as gravel or expanded clay into the planting hole to prevent waterlogging. The redflower currant does not tolerate dryness – so it is useful to heavily mulch the root zone. Thus, the roots remain cool and retain water longer.

Planting is possible throughout the year, as the redflower currant is very hardy. Nevertheless, it is recommended to plant them in the spring or late summer. After planting, you should thoroughly water the flowering currant again.

Cultivation in a pot is also possible – it is best to choose a pot that is slightly wider than it is tall. Mix about 30% expanded clay into a nutrient-rich soil, such as our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost, for better drainage. This is peat-free, climate-friendly and already pre-fertilised with a primarily organic fertiliser.

Planting redflower currant as a hedge: The flowering currant is popular for early flowering hedges, which offer shade throughout the summer. If you want to plant a flowering currant hedge, you can proceed as described above and plant about 3 plants per metre in a row.

The most important care measures

It is important never to let the soil around the plant dry out, especially in the first year after planting. You should water this flat-rooted plant as needed and still avoid waterlogging especially during longer dry periods.

The flowering currant requires little maintenance and pruning is not essential. If you still prefer to reach for the scissors, you should do it immediately after flowering. Diseased shoots, old shoots and inward-growing branches can be cut back. Be careful not to cut back redflower currant too much, as it bears most of its flowers on two-year-old woody shoots. In general, Ribes sanguineum are considered very tolerant of pruning.

A long-term fertiliser should be used for feeding, for example our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food, which can be applied once in the spring and provides the shrub with sufficient nutrients over the long term.

Are redflower currants edible?

The flowering currant fruits are edible, just like their close relatives the blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), but have much less flavour. They are dark purple to black-red in colour with a blue coating. The sour currants are about 1 cm in size and are popular with birds.

The strap flower Chinese fringe flower is another early bloomer with a special look. Read about how to care for the Chinese fringe flower, what location it needs and everything you need to know about the ornamental shrub, in our dedicated article.