Red currant
Ribes rubrumfam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 1317 — Ribes rubrum
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IOverview
Overview
Red currant (Ribes rubrum) is a shrub native to Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Spain. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions. This perennial plant grows to about 1.2 meters in height and 1 meter in width, producing edible fruit that is both delicious and nutritious. Known for its culinary uses, red currants are often used in jams, jellies, and desserts due to their tart flavor. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light requirement; it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Quick answers
What is Red currant?
Red currant (Ribes rubrum) is a shrub native to Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Spain. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red currants thrive in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). They prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, with a recommended range of USDA zones 4-8. For optimal growth, provide full to partial sunlight, as the light requirement is moderate at 4/10. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Red currants grow to about 1.2 meters tall and 1 meter wide, making them suitable for shrub borders or hedging. Propagate through cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.2 m × 1 m
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Red currant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, hardy red currant shrub for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Red currant plant, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's slightly acidic (pH 6.5–7).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery, spacing them about 1 meter apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize in early spring with compost. Prune annually after fruiting.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts, removing old wood and weak branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Red currants are eaten raw or cooked. They can be added to salads for a sweet-tart flavor or used in jams and jellies. The fruits can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:CosmeticDye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 24 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 24 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 24 introduced
Europe17 regions
native (6)BelgiumFranceGermanyNetherlandsSpainUnited Kingdom
introduced (11)AustriaBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyRussiaUkraine
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)JapanKazakhstan
Broader regions
introduced:Indiana, British Columbia, Baltic States, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Czechoslovakia, Iowa, Labrador, Maine
VIIIGarden companions
8 pairs
Garden companions
8 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: insectary flowers improve pollinator presence and support predators around soft fruit.
Borage
Borago officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: insectary flowers improve pollinator presence and support predators around soft fruit.
Pot marigold
Calendula officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: insectary flowers improve pollinator presence and support predators around soft fruit.
Bergamot
Monarda didyma
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: insectary flowers improve pollinator presence and support predators around soft fruit.
Garlic
Allium sativum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Catmint
Nepeta cataria
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Keep away from these
Avoid planting nearby — competition, allelopathy, or shared pests/diseases.
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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