Catalina Perfume Evergreen Currant — Ribes viburnifolium

Ribes viburnifolium

Catalina Perfume is a low, evergreen California native shrub for shaded Southern California gardens. Arching red stems, aromatic leaves and small pink-red flowers bring texture and seasonal interest beneath larger shrubs and trees.

Growing profile

• Light: Part shade to shade; protect from hot inland afternoon sun.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing, then deeply and infrequently as needed. Drought tolerant in suitable shaded sites.
• Mature size: About 2–3 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide, spreading through arching branches.
• Soil: Adaptable to clay and other soils with adequate drainage. Avoid persistently saturated ground.
• Growth rate: Moderate, forming a broad shrubby groundcover.
• Wildlife: Winter and spring blossoms attract pollinators; small fruits appeal to birds.
• Maintenance: Remove dead stems and selectively shorten spreading branches after flowering. Keep paths clear; avoid constant shearing.
• Uses: Dry-shade groundcover, woodland edges, shaded slopes and native habitat gardens. Under established oaks, avoid irrigation against trunks.

3/5 Gallon is a combined container size group; exact container is confirmed before payment.

Representative species photograph, not current stock. Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; no intentional modifications.