Red-flowering currant
Also known as
Flowering currant, Blood currant, Pink currant
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Red-flowering currant
Ribes sanguineum is a hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its early spring display of dangling clusters of pink to deep red flowers that emerge just as leaves unfurl. Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, it typically grows 1.5–3 m tall and wide, forming a dense, upright to arching habit. The palmate, 3–5 lobed leaves are softly textured and mildly aromatic when crushed. Flowering in late winter to early spring, it provides nectar for hummingbirds and early pollinators, followed by bluish-black, glaucous berries that birds relish. While the fruit is technically edible, it is usually considered insipid for human tastes. This species is adaptable to a range of well-drained soils and becomes moderately drought-tolerant once established. It is widely used in wildlife-friendly gardens, native plantings, and informal hedges, delivering reliable seasonal interest with minimal input.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Red-flowering currant
Water
Water regularly during the first 1–2 growing seasons to establish deep roots—aim for deep soakings that moisten the top 20–30 cm of soil, roughly weekly in dry weather. Once established, it tolerates summer drought; water deeply every 10–14 days during prolonged dry spells, adjusting frequency for soil type (more often in sand, less in clay). Avoid waterlogged conditions. For container specimens, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings and ensure excellent drainage to prevent root issues.
Light
Provide full sun to light shade. In cool, maritime climates, full sun yields the heaviest flowering. In hotter inland or Mediterranean climates, morning sun with dappled afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and reduces powdery mildew pressure. Very deep shade significantly reduces bloom and encourages lanky growth. Good air circulation around the plant helps keep foliage healthy, especially in humid or sheltered spots.
Nutrients
Ribes sanguineum is not a heavy feeder. In early spring, top-dress with 2–5 cm of compost or well-rotted manure and refresh an organic mulch to nourish soil life. If growth or flowering is weak on poor soils, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer tilted slightly toward phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10) at label rates after bloom. Avoid high nitrogen, which promotes soft, leafy growth and fewer flowers. Container-grown plants benefit from a half-strength, balanced liquid feed monthly during active growth.
Temperature
Hardy to roughly −23 °C (−9 °F) once established, with flower buds generally tolerant of late-winter chills but occasionally nipped by hard late frosts. Ideal growing-season temperatures are cool to mild (10–24 °C). In regions with hot summers, it handles brief heat up to about 32–35 °C if soil moisture is maintained and afternoon shade is provided. Protect from cold, drying winds in exposed sites, and ensure well-drained soils to avoid root stress during cold, wet winters.
