Red Currant

(Ribes rubrum)

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Ribes rubrum image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Ribes rubrum, commonly known as Red Currant, is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 1–1.5 meters (3–5 ft) tall, but can occasionally reach up to 2 meters (7 ft). It is native to temperate regions of Western Europe, where it thrives in forest understories, hedgerows, and scrub areas. The plant has five-lobed leaves arranged spirally on the stems, which add texture to the garden throughout the growing season. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and hang in pendulous racemes measuring 4–8 cm (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄4 in) long. These blooms give way to clusters of bright red translucent berries, each about 8–12 mm (3⁄8–1⁄2 in) in diameter, with 3–10 berries per raceme. The berries mature from mid to late summer, and an established bush can yield 3–4 kg (6 lb 10 oz – 8 lb 13 oz) of fruit, which are known for their tart flavor and are slightly more acidic than those of its relative, the blackcurrant.

Red Currant bushes are valued for their ease of maintenance and the ornamental quality of their fruit. They are commonly used in gardens for their attractive berries and as a source of food for wildlife. In cultivation, they perform best in full sun to part shade and are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, from slow to fast drainage. While they can tolerate various soil types, they prefer moist, well-drained soil. Red Currants are also used in culinary applications, often in jellies, sauces, and baked goods. However, gardeners should be aware that Ribes rubrum can be potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, and its cultivation should be approached with caution to avoid ecological disruption.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow, Green
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Temperate forest understories, hedgerows, and scrub areas in Western Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Redcurrant, European Red Currant, Cultivated Currant, Cultivated Red Currant, Garden Red Currant, Northern Red Currant, Red Garden Currant, Garden Currant, Common Currant, White Currant

Scientific Names: , Ribes rubrum, Ribes sativum, Ribes vulgare, Ribes acidum, Ribes rubrum subsp. rubrum, Ribes sylvestre, Ribes hortense, Ribes glabrum, Ribes rubrum var. sativum

GBIF Accepted Name: Ribes rubrum L.