© RHS / Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Introducing...

Ribes

Common name: Flowering Currant

A valuable nectar source for foraging bees early in the year, these undemanding shrubs are useful in a shrub border, combined with spring bulbs and perennials, or as a loose hedge. Some have leaves that turn yellow before falling in winter.

Looks

Short, dangling clusters of white, pink or yellow flowers are produced in abundance at around the same time as new leaves appear in spring. These are sometimes followed by red or black berries in autumn.

Likes

Flowering currants thrive in most fertile soils that are not waterlogged in winter, preferably in full sun to get more flowers over a longer period.

Dislikes

They dislike permanently wet and very dry soils and will not flower well in shade.

Did you know?

Though their berries are unpalatable, flowering currants are related to blackcurrants and gooseberries.

Growing guide

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