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Ribes alpinum

alpine currant

A compact, mound-forming, twiggy, deciduous shrub with small, lobed leaves on spineless shoots. Produces upright sprays of small, bell-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers in spring, male and female on separate plants. Pollinated female flowers produce dark red berries 7mm across

Other common names
mountain currant
tasteless mountain currant

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Grossulariaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Ribes can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes spiny, with simple, usually palmately lobed leaves and small tubular or bell-shaped, solitary or racemose flowers borne in spring or summer, followed by juicy, sometimes edible berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

May be susceptible to gall mites, gall midge and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus

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