Overview
Ribes is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ribes, part of the Grossulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ribes grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include shrub border, hedge and wildlife garden.
About
Ribes, commonly known as gooseberry or currant, is a genus of deciduous shrubs in the Grossulariaceae family. These bushy plants typically have simple, often palmately lobed leaves and produce small tubular or bell-shaped flowers in spring or summer, followed by juicy berries. They thrive in well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH, preferring full sun and a sheltered, south-facing aspect. Hardy to UK zone H6, Ribes cultivars are suitable for shrub borders, hedges, and wildlife gardens, and can be propagated by hardwood cuttings. They offer seasonal interest extending into winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ribes
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ribes size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Shrub border, hedge, wildlife garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ribes
- Propagation
- Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, gall mites, gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ribes?
Ribes prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ribes need?
Ribes grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ribes hardy in the UK?
Ribes has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ribes?
Hardwood cuttings.
More in the Ribes genus
- Ribes ciliatum
- Ribes fasciculatum
- Ribes indecorumwhite-flowered currant
- Ribes menziesiicanyon gooseberry
- Ribes nigrum 'Barchatnaja' (B)
- Ribes nigrum 'Hystawneznaya' (B)
- Ribes nigrum 'Laciniatum'
- Ribes nigrum 'Narve Viking'PBR