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Ribes malvaceum
chaparral currant
Overview
Ribes malvaceum is a deciduous shrub in the gooseberry family that grows 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) tall and wide, with upright, spineless stems. The leaves are rounded with three to five lobes, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across, with crinkled, rough, and slightly sticky surfaces and a resinous scent, resembling small mallow or maple leaves. From late autumn into spring, mainly November to March, the shrub bears drooping clusters of 10 to 25 tubular pink flowers, each about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long, well before most chaparral plants bloom. The early flowers draw hummingbirds and early bees. Round, dark purple-black berries about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across follow, coated in a whitish bloom, and are eaten by birds. Ribes malvaceum grows on dry slopes in chaparral, coastal scrub, and oak woodland from California into Baja California. It is summer-deciduous, dropping its leaves in the dry season to survive drought, and leafing out again with autumn rain. It tolerates poor soils and shade but does not grow in wet or constantly irrigated ground, and the summer-bare habit leaves it leafless through the hottest months.
Native Range
Native to California and Baja California, on dry slopes, ridges, and canyon sides in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland. It grows below about 5,500 feet (1,700 m) on a range of well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Ribes malvaceum is used in native and wildlife gardens, dry shade under oaks, and chaparral restoration. Its winter flowers supply nectar for hummingbirds during the cool season, and the berries feed birds. It suits unirrigated slopes and woodland edges where its summer-deciduous habit is acceptable.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Drooping clusters of pink tubular flowers open from late autumn into spring, mainly November to March, earlier than most chaparral shrubs. Each cluster holds 10 to 25 flowers that draw hummingbirds and early bees. Dark berries ripen in spring after the flowers fade.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ribes malvaceum grows in full sun to part shade on dry, well-drained soils and tolerates poor, rocky ground. It is summer-deciduous, dropping its leaves to survive the dry season, so it needs no summer water once established and can rot if irrigated in summer. Leaves return with autumn rain, followed by winter bloom. The shrub grows from seed or cuttings and reaches full size in a few seasons. It tolerates shade under oaks but flowers more in sun. It does not grow well in wet or constantly moist soils.Pruning
Ribes malvaceum can be pruned lightly after flowering in spring to shape the shrub or remove dead wood. Harder pruning is done while the plant is dormant. The summer-bare branches can be tip-pruned to encourage denser growth when leaves return.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons