Rock Red Currant
Ribes petraeumfam. Rosaceae
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Pl. F3A5 — Ribes petraeum
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IOverview
Overview
Rock Red Currant (Ribes petraeum) is a shrub native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, and several other Eastern European countries. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It grows up to 1.8 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. This species is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its culinary use, as the fruit can be enjoyed fresh or used in various recipes. One distinctive feature of Rock Red Currant is its adaptability to a variety of soil types, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
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. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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
What you'll need
Rock Red Currant plants, garden gloves, pruning shears.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 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
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots to your garden bed, spacing them about 1.2 m apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the newly planted shrubs regularly to help establish their roots and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Prune lightly after fruiting to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the shrub annually in late winter before new growth begins to encourage healthy fruit production.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough space between plants, neglecting winter protection in colder regions.
VIEdible & utility
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
VIIDistribution
23 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 3 introducedDistribution 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, Yugoslavia, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Tuva
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f3a5c711-e45f-40be-8a2b-b9a6e908fe4c
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