- Botanical name: Ribes rubrum
- Common name: Redcurrant
- Family: Grossulariaceae
- Plant Type: Fruit
Green
- Key features:
- Fruits
- Attractive to wildlife
The redcurrant, Ribes rubrum, is closely related to the blackcurrant, but unlike many varieties of soft fruit, redcurrants grow well in northern areas and can tolerate a bit of shade. However, the more sun the plants get, the sweeter the berries. The fruit is perfect for using in summer puddings, pies and jelly, and even wine-making.
One of the most popular varieties of redcurrant is ‘Jonkheer van Tets’. This is one of the earliest varieties to ripen, bearing heavy crops of sweet-tasting fruit from early July.
Grow redcurrants in well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered, sunny or partially shaded spot. Prune every winter.
How to grow Ribes rubrum
-
Plant size
1.75m height
1.5m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does fruit in July |
A
Plant does fruit in August |
S
Plant does not fruit in September |
O
Plant does not fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
Ribes rubrum and wildlife
Ribes rubrum is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Ribes rubrum poisonous?
Ribes rubrum has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Ribes rubrum
