Overview
Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ribes, part of the Grossulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' is a bushy, deciduous shrub cultivar of the Ribes genus, known for its small tubular or bell-shaped flowers in spring or summer, followed by juicy berries. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is fertile, moist but well-drained. Suitable for exposed or sheltered sites and all garden aspects, this hardy shrub (H6) is ideal for cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens. Propagation is best achieved by hardwood cuttings in winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ribes
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen'
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews, honey fungus and coral spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen'?
Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' need?
Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' hardy in the UK?
Ribes uva-crispa 'Karmen' 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 uva-crispa 'Karmen'?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter.
More in the Ribes genus
- Ribesgooseberry
- Ribes ciliatum

- Ribes fasciculatum

- Ribes indecorumwhite-flowered currant

- Ribes menziesiicanyon gooseberry

- Ribes nigrum 'Barchatnaja' (B)

- Ribes nigrum 'Hystawneznaya' (B)

- Ribes nigrum 'Laciniatum'
