Overview
Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' 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 'Somerset White' 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 4.0 — Ribes 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 4.0 — Ribes
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 'Somerset White' 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 'Somerset White'
- 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 'Somerset White'?
Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' need?
Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' 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 'Somerset White'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' grow?
Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' reaches a height of 2.5 m.
Is Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' hardy in the UK?
Ribes sanguineum 'Somerset White' 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 'Somerset White'?
Hardwood cuttings in winter.
