Ribes sanguineum, red flowering currant
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Deciduous Shrubs

Ribes sanguineum

red flowering currant

Grossulariaceae

BC south through Washington, Oregon to California; dry to moist forest edges, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and disturbed sites

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-10 feet (1.2-3 m)
Width4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

A medium to large, upright, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub in the family Grossulariaceae, native to dry to moist forest edges, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and disturbed sites from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to California — one of the most widely grown and ornamentally valued native shrubs of the Pacific Northwest. The specific epithet sanguineum means 'blood red,' referring to the deep pink to red flower color. Plants grow 4–10 feet (1.2–3 m) tall with an upright to slightly arching habit and alternate, 3–5-lobed, maple-like, aromatic leaves 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) across with soft, glandular-hairy surfaces — the aromatic foliage is a reliable field character. From March through May, before or as the leaves emerge, the branch tips produce pendant racemes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long of 10–25 small, tubular, five-petaled flowers in deep pink, rose-red, or occasionally white — among the earliest and most reliable hummingbird-attracting native shrubs of the PNW, coinciding precisely with the spring migration of Anna's and rufous hummingbirds. The fruits are round, blue-black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) across with a waxy whitish bloom, ripening July–August and consumed by birds. No spines or prickles. Non-toxic; berries edible but tart and seedy.

Native Range

Native to dry to moist forest edges, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and disturbed sites from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to California.

Suggested Uses

One of the most valuable native PNW shrubs for wildlife gardens, hummingbird gardens, and early-season pollinator plantings — plant at 4–6 foot (1.2–1.8 m) spacing. The deep pink to red pendant racemes in March–May provide critical early nectar for spring-migrating hummingbirds when little else is available. Adaptable to dry to moist conditions across the PNW. Cultivars offer enhanced flower color and more compact forms. Combines with Oemleria cerasiformis, Holodiscus discolor, and Physocarpus capitatus in native PNW shrub borders.

How to Identify

Identified as a medium to large upright deciduous shrub with alternate, 3–5-lobed, aromatic, softly glandular-hairy, maple-like leaves 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) across — the aromatic foliage distinguishes it from most native Ribes. Sanguineum = 'blood red': pendant racemes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of 10–25 deep pink to rose-red (occasionally white) tubular five-petaled flowers in March–May, typically before the leaves fully expand, are the primary ornamental and identification feature. No spines or prickles — distinguishes from gooseberries. Blue-black berries with waxy whitish bloom ripen July–August.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 10'
Width/Spread4' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
red
white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Spring
One of the most important early-season nectar shrubs in the Pacific Northwest, blooming March through May for 4–6 weeks — precisely coinciding with the spring migration and early-season activity of Anna's and rufous hummingbirds. Pendant racemes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of 10–25 deep pink to rose-red tubular flowers cover the branches, appearing before or with the aromatic leaves. Also attracts bumblebee queens, native bees, and butterflies. Blue-black berries with waxy bloom ripen July–August, providing bird food through summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

deep pink to rose-red (occasionally white); sanguineum = 'blood red'; pendant racemes 2–4 inches of 10–25 tubular five-petaled flowers; March–May before/with aromatic leaves; PREMIER early-season hummingbird plant — coincides with Anna's and rufous hummingbird spring migration; blue-black berries with waxy whitish bloom July–Aug; no spines

Foliage Description

medium to dark green; 3–5-lobed aromatic maple-like 1.5–4 inches with soft glandular-hairy surface — AROMATIC foliage is diagnostic; no spines or prickles; DATA CORRECTIONS: scientific_name had hyphen 'Ribes-sanguineum'; genus had trailing space 'Ribes '

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockyclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, dry to average, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Among the most drought-tolerant native PNW shrubs once established — tolerates dry summer conditions, poor soils, and rocky slopes. Adapts to a wide range of conditions from coastal to inland settings. No fertilizer needed. Spreads slowly by layering.

Pruning

Remove oldest canes to the base every 3–4 years immediately after flowering in May to maintain vigor and flower production. Thin crowded stems for air circulation. Avoid fall pruning, which removes the following year's flower buds. Can be cut back hard in late spring for full rejuvenation.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic