Trailing red currant
Ribes procumbens
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 9EB1 — Ribes procumbens
Ribes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbensRibes procumbens
IOverview
Overview
Trailing red currant (Ribes procumbens) is a low-growing shrub native to the mountainous regions of East Asia, including areas such as Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, and Japan. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and can tolerate partial sun to full shade. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications, trailing red currant is also valued for its ornamental qualities due to its spreading habit. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in a variety of environments, from light sandy soils to heavier clay ones, making it adaptable and resilient in different climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Trailing red currant?
Trailing red currant (Ribes procumbens) is a low-growing shrub native to the mountainous regions of East Asia, including areas such as Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, and Japan. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and can tolerate partial sun to full shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Trailing red currant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. This plant grows up to 0.2 meters tall and produces edible fruit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist as trailing red currant requires regular watering.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Trailing red currant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing trailing red currant.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is workable, or in late summer for transplanting.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, or plant young plants in late summer after danger of frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sunlight for a few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts; harvest fruit when they turn a deep red color.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and waiting too long to plant.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The trailing red currant's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations such as jams, jellies, and syrups. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 17 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tuva, Yakutskiya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9eb1e403-7440-4add-809d-78501f26870f
Decision aid
Choosing between Trailing red currant and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.