About
Ribes petraeum, the rock redcurrant, is a deciduous shrub to around 1.8 m with green, lobed foliage. Clusters of attractive red flowers in spring are followed by glossy, red, acidic berries � excellent for jams and preserves. A rewarding ornamental and culinary shrub for a sheltered, sunny garden.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationRedcurrants can be planted in the ground or in a large container in full sun in a sheltered location. See redcurrant cultivation for further advice
PruningPrune twice yearly in summer and winter
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings from young plants to avoid disease
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, gooseberry sawfly, spotted wing drosophila and currant scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to American gooseberry mildew, grey moulds and coral spot