Red Flowering Currant — Ribes sanguineum

Ribes sanguineum

A deciduous western native shrub with hanging flower clusters and softly lobed leaves. Flower color varies across the species from pink or red to pale forms; plants are not sold as a named color cultivar.

Southern California growing guide

• Light: Coastal sun to part shade. Favor a sheltered position with afternoon shade inland.
• Mature size: Often 5–10 feet tall, with a broad, branching canopy. Allow roughly 5–8 feet of width.
• Water & drought: Light to moderate garden irrigation after establishment. Coastal plants tolerate seasonal dryness better than plants in hot inland exposure.
• Soil: Adaptable to several soil textures when drainage is adequate.
• Growth: Seasonal deciduous shrub, flowering in winter or early spring according to climate. Expect bare branches during dormancy.
• Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds; fruit feeds birds and other wildlife.
• Maintenance: Prune selectively after flowering, retaining a natural shape. Remove damaged or crowded stems.
• Landscape uses: Woodland edges, habitat hedges and sheltered mixed borders.

“3/5 Gallon” is a combined container-size range. We confirm the exact container size before collecting payment.

Representative Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum photograph, not current nursery stock. Photo: John Rusk, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No intentional image modifications.