Ribes alpinum
Alpine currant, Currant
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 1.5m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a small to medium shrub with a moderately upright habit. It is dense and twiggy and can be used as a hedging plant. There are small green yellow flowers in April and May that make tight little clusters on the branches, appearing with the young foliage. They carry a sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by red fruits that are yummy, but should not be picked from wild plants since, in general, the species is uncommon. It makes an attractive rather informal low hedge which is low maintenance and has been particularly recommended as an edging to curving paths because of its rather delicate pretty growth habit. It is also, usefully, tolerant of quite dense shade.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Hedge, Rabbit resistant, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has flowered, cut all the flowered shoots back to healthy buds that are lower on the stems. When the plant is established, take out a quarter of the oldest branches to the ground at this time.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for an informal hedge
If left to grow naturally this is a hedge that has an informal growth habit that gives it a natural, or some may say, 'untidy' look.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for small hedges
This is suitable for a small hedge to use within a garden. It can divide areas while allowing a clear view over its top.
Found in
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