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Rock Red Currant

Ribes petraeumfam. Rosaceae
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edibleshrubsedibleedible fruitnative asianative central asianative eushrub
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Ribes petraeum (Rock Red Currant) — botanical photograph
Pl. F3A5 — Ribes petraeum
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Overview

Rock Red Currant (Ribes petraeum) is a shrub native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, and several other Eastern European countries such as Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and prefers moist conditions with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It grows up to 1.8 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9, making it adaptable to many climates. Rock Red Currant is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its culinary use. The fruit of this shrub is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, often used in jams and jellies due to its tart flavor. It can also be dried for later use. This species is known for its adaptability to a variety of soil types, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. Rock Red Currant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Propagation can be done through cuttings or seeds. With its hardiness and ornamental value, Rock Red Currant is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a versatile shrub that can thrive in various conditions.

Quick answers

What is Rock Red Currant?

Rock Red Currant (Ribes petraeum) is a shrub native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, and several other Eastern European countries such as Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.

Compare with:Ribes altissimum→Almond-leaved pear→Alpine Currant→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Rock Red Currant thrives in a variety of soils—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and prefers moist conditions. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 5-9, making it adaptable to many climates. This shrub requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For best results, maintain soil pH between 6.5 and 7. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Propagation can be done through cuttings or seeds. With a height of 1.8 meters, Rock Red Currant will provide ample fruit for harvesting.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Rock Red Currant for the first time

8steps

Start with Rock Red Currant as a simple shrub that requires basic care and attention.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Rock Red Currant plants, garden gloves, pruning shears.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.5 and 7, and prepare containers at least 30 cm wide and deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nursery pots to your garden bed, spacing them about 1.2 m apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the newly planted shrubs regularly to help establish their roots and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Prune lightly after fruiting to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune the shrub annually in late winter before new growth begins to encourage healthy fruit production.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, not providing enough space between plants, neglecting winter protection in colder regions.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Rock Red Currant's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is often used in jams and jellies due to its tart flavor. The fruits can also be dried for later use. Skip the preparation details as specific methods are not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

23 native · 3 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 23 native· 3 introduced
Europe14 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFranceGermanyItalyPolandRomaniaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (3)HungaryNetherlandsSweden
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaKazakhstanMongolia
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Altay, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Tuva, Yugoslavia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Ribes petraeum (Rock Red Currant) — botanical photograph
Rock Red Currant (Ribes petraeum)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

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