Ribes sanguineum

Common Names

Red Flowering Currant, Flowering Currant, Winter Currant, American Currant, Red-Flowering Currant, Redflower Currant

Summary

Ribes sanguineum, commonly called Red Flowering Currant, is a Northwest native deciduous shrub with a multi‑stem, upright to vase‑shaped habit that typically reaches about 6–10 feet tall and wide. It features pendant clusters of spring flowers in shades of red to pink (sometimes white), with deep green, 2‑inch, 3–5‑lobed leaves that are white undersides and aromatic, and it bears blue‑black berries later in the season; nectar and pollen attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, while birds feed on the fruit.

Grown best in full sun to partial shade in well‑drained soils, it tolerates clay and is drought‑tolerant once established, with regular watering in the first seasons. Space plants 6–10 feet apart; prune after flowering to promote neat shape and more blooms; propagation by seed, cuttings, or layering; suitable for informal hedges, borders, or wildlife gardens and provides wildlife habitat. It is hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and can host White Pine Blister Rust, so proximity to white pines should be considered.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

5-10 feet

Spread

59-120 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining loamy soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (moist but does not become waterlogged)

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Slightly acidic soil is ideal.

Bloom Color

Pink to red

Bloom Time

Winter and Spring

Foliage Color

Green foliage that turns yellow and red in fall, with autumn tones of gold, copper, and rust.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and other pollinators