About
Ribes alpinum, the alpine currant, is a compact, mound-forming, twiggy, deciduous shrub with small, lobed leaves on spineless shoots. Upright sprays of small, bell-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers are produced in spring, followed on pollinated female plants by dark-red berries 7 mm across. A neat and hardy shrub for a range of garden positions.
About the genus
Ribes, the currants and gooseberries, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes spiny, with simple, usually palmately lobed leaves and small, tubular or bell-shaped flowers borne in spring or summer, followed by juicy, sometimes edible berries. Ornamental and useful garden shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to gall mites, gall midge and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus