Plant information

1. * Red/Pink-flowering Currant- Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum
(san-GWIN-ee-um glue-tin-OH-sum)
Family: Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family)
Native to: N. to central CA coast; Commonly growing in the shade of large oaks, along seasonal creeks and on north and east slopes.
Growth characteristics: erect woody shrubs mature height: 5-10+ ft. mature width: 4-10 ft. Drought-deciduous woody shrubs with erect, open growth habit. Not spiny or thorny or very invasive.
Blooms/fruits: Bloom Dec-Mar; Showy sprays of bright pink (R. sanguineum) flowers on drooping flower stalks. Flowers are scented. Fruits are purple, hairy/ sticky and edible.
Uses in the garden: Excellent for a spot of showy early color in shaded areas of garden. Does well under trees (including oaks and eucalyptus) or in woodland garden. Great along north-facing walls. Great for scented garden or for bird and insect habitat. Can be used as an informal hedge or espaliered along a wall. Good plant for narrow spaces. Nice touch in a woodland garden.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native berries, including non-native gooseberries
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provide nectar for hummingbirds plus cover and berries for other birds (Robins, Finches, Juncos, Towhees, Jays). Also a great early nectar sources for bees, butterflies.
Requirements:
Element
Requirement
Sun
Full sun along coast; part shade elsewhere
Soil
Any texture & local pH; well-drained soils are best
Water
Regular water to establish plants; reduced summer water after that (although can take modest summer water or complete drought – will lose it’s leaves but survive)
Fertilizer
Low needs; none if an organic mulch used
Other
Management: Requires little care. Annual pruning can promote a more desirable form and a better bloom. All Ribes are susceptible to fungal diseases so be sure that there is good air circulation. Let soil dry out between waterings and don’t use overhead watering, if possible.
Propagation: from seed: yes; fesh seed in fall best by cuttings: yes; dormant 1-year hard wood best
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 5, 8, 13, 14, 19, 24 11/29/10
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND

2. Ribes sanguineum
Pink currant

5. Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum ‘Claremont’