Overview

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Ribes, part of the Grossulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include edible fruit, shrub border and informal hedge. It is native to Western North America.

About

Ribes sanguineum, the flowering currant, redflower currant, red-flowering currant, or red currant is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Grossulariaceae. It is native to the western United States and Canada.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Ribes sanguineum

About the genus

Ribes is a genus of approximately 200 known species of flowering plants, predominantly native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Ribes is the sole genus in the plant family Grossulariaceae. The genus includes species commonly referred to as redcurrants, blackcurrants, whitecurrants, and gooseberries.

Wikipedia contributors, "Ribes", CC BY-SA 4.0Ribes

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ribes

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Deciduous shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5 m
Suggested uses
Edible fruit, Shrub border, Informal hedge
Native to
Western North America
Fragrance
Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'

Pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
Propagation
Hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistance
Gooseberry sawfly, Birds, Squirrels
Disease resistance
Gooseberry mildew, Leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Coral spot, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'?

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' need?

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'?

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

How big does Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' grow?

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' reaches a height of 2.5 m.

Is Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' hardy in the UK?

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'?

Hardwood cuttings in winter.

More in the Ribes genus

Browse all Ribes