Ribes

( RYE - beez )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering evergreen and deciduous shrubs includes species which need full sun to partial shade to perform well in the garden. They are commonly called Redcurrants, Blackcurrants, Whitecurrants, or Gooseberries. Both the flowers and berries will attract birds and butterflies to the landscape. Use these versatile shrubs in native, woodland, informal, or food forest landscapes. They can be grown in mixed beds and borders, in dry shady areas, or simply for their wildlife benefits, and are also commonly included in edible gardens for their delicious fruits. Take care when growing these plants in the landscape, as some species produce sharp spines that can puncture skin and clothing.

In general, Currant plants are many-stemmed and thornless, reaching 3-5 feet tall and wide. They have attractive, lobed leaves that drop early in autumn, sometimes turning fall colors first. Flowers bloom in early spring, usually in white or yellow, and are followed by berries that are great in jellies, jams, and other preserves. There are three categories of Currants, named according to the color of their berries. Black Currants (from Ribes nigrum or Ribes aureum) are wonderful for jams and preserves and have a rich, pungent flavor. Unfortunately, these plants are susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust, though some of the more modern varieties are rust-resistant. Red Currants (derived from Ribes sativum) produce tart fruits and are used mainly for making jellies. White Currants (also derived from Ribes sativum) are best for jelly-making as well.

Gooseberry plants are grown mainly for their beautiful and edible fruits, which commonly have vertical stripes and are wonderful in pies and jams. Plants are commonly upright and multi-stemmed, reaching about 3-5 feet tall and just as wide. Most have spines, though some have been bred to be nearly spineless. Leaves usually turn bright colors in fall and the plants are generally self-fruiting.

Ribes Species and Varietals

The genus Ribes includes about 200 distinct species and is the sole member of the plant family Grossulariaceae. The plants in this genus are related to Rodgersia, Astilbe (False Spirea), Mukdenia (Crimson Fans), Heuchera (Coral Bells), and Tiarella (Foamflower). The list below is divided into two categories: Currants and Gooseberries. The best growing zones for Ribes depends on the species; for more information see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ribes alpinum (Apine Currant, Mountain Currant)
This species is native to central and northern Europe, where it grows in high altitudes. It reaches up to 6.5 feet tall when mature, and produces smooth, light grey bark that ages to become brown-grey and flaky. Leaves are dark green above, light green underneath, and flowers are small and greenish-yellow. This species is dioecious. Fruits are scarlet red and edible but not palatable, but are bird favorites. Alpine Currant is a host for White Pine Blister Rust. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 and requires 800 to 1,200 chill hours to produce well.

Ribes aureum (Ribes odoratum) (Golden Currant, Golden Flowering Currant, Clove Currant, Buffalo Currant, Missouri Currant, Pruterberry)
This species takes the form of a deciduous shrub, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-12 and 14-23. They are native to western and central North America and have an erect habit to 3-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. Leaves are light green and have toothed edges. Flowers are yellow with a spicy fragrance, blooming in clusters in springtime. Berries form in summer, emerging yellow before turning red and then fading to black. This species needs moderate to regular water. The main cultivar is 'Crandall', a self-fertile, rust-resistant variety with rich, sweet-tart fruits. Golden Currant typically requires 800 to 1,000 chill hours to break dormancy and fruit properly.

Ribes hirtellum (Wild Gooseberry, Swamp Gooseberry, American Gooseberry, Hairy-Stem Gooseberry, Hairy Gooseberry, Low Wild Gooseberry, Northern Gooseberry, Smooth Gooseberry, Wedge-Leaf Gooseberry)
This species is native to wetlands, meadows, forests, swamps, cliffs, and shorelines in much of eastern North America. It is the cold-hardy, mildew-resistant parent of many cultivated Gooseberry plants including 'Pixwell' (to 3-4 feet tall with pink-purple fruits), 'Captivator' (teardrop-shaped fruits on a nearly thornless shrub), 'Poorman' (high-quality red fruits), 'Oregon Champion' (yellow-green berries good for jams and pies), and 'Downing' (heavy yields of pale green fruits, mildew resistant). This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and requires between 1,000 and 1,200 chill hours to successfully break dormancy and produce fruit.

Ribes indecorum (White Flowering Currant, White Chaparral Currant, Whiteflower Currant)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 7-9, 11 and 14-24 and is native to the coastal mountain ranges of Southern California. Shrubs reach 6-9 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide at maturity. Leaves are dark green and hairy, with scalloped edges and white fuzzy undersides. White flowers bloom in clusters and are enclosed in pink bracts, appearing in wintertime. Small fruits are purple to black and consumed by wildlife. This species does not need irrigation but can also tolerate garden water.

Ribes lobbii (Gummy Gooseberry, Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry, Pioneer Gooseberry)
This species forms a loosely branching shrub to 1.5-5 feet tall when mature. Leaves are grey-green. Bark is brown and matures to greyish red. White to light pink flowers with protruding stamens are present in summertime, and dangle from stems. They resemble those of Fuchsia species. This species of Gooseberry is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5b-9b.

Ribes malvaceum (Chaparral Currant, Pink Chaparral Currant)
This deciduous species of Currant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 6-9 and 14-24 and is native to the sloped areas of California's Coast Ranges. Reaches 5 feet tall and wide, and has hairy dull green leaves. Flowers bloom in short clusters in fall and wintertime. Blooms are fragrant and pink, followed by red fruits. Needs no formal irrigation, but responds well to summer deep waterings.

Ribes montigenum (Mountain Gooseberry, Alpine Prickly Currant, Western Prickly Gooseberry, Gooseberry Currant)
Native to western North America, this species produces a shrub to 1-5 feet tall when mature. Leaves are green and flowers are yellow, pink, or orange with purple-red stamens. Stems are branching and have sharp spines. Mountain Gooseberry is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 6.

Ribes x nidigrolaria (Jostaberry)
This complex-cross hybrid involves three original species: Ribes divaricatum (North American Coastal Black Gooseberry), Ribes nigrum (Blackcurrant), and Ribes uva-crispa (Garden Gooseberry). Plants in this species require between 800 and 1,500 chill hours to set a proper fruit crop. Cultivars include 'Jocheline', 'Rikö', 'Jonova', 'Jogranda', 'Josta', and 'Jostine'. Jostaberry shrubs reach up to 5 to 6 feet tall and just as wide when mature.

Ribes nigrum (Blackcurrant, Black Currant, Cassis, Greencurrant)
This species is widely cultivated commercially and domestically, and is native to central and northern Europe and onrthern Asia. It grows in damp, fertile soils. Plants reach up to 5 feet tall and just as wide at maturity, and are somewhat self-pollinating. Fruits have a tart, strong flavor and are typically used in preserves, desserts, or yogurts. They are also used to make the apertif Creme de Cassis. There are many cultivars, some with black fruits and others that produce milder, sweeter fruits that are green. Black Currant plants are suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-7. Cultivars are listed and described below, and typically require between 800 and 1,500 chill hours.

'Baldwin'
Historical commercial type; has been improved upon. 4-5 feet tall.

'Ben Connan'
Compact to 3-5 feet tall with rich flavored berries.

'Ben Nevis'
Commercial and garden variety with heavy mid-season yields. 4-5 feet tall.

'Ben Sarek'
Compact, with large tart berries. 3-4 feet.

'Big Ben'
Heavy yielding black currant with sweet berries that can be eaten raw.

'Blackdown'
Jet black medium-sized fruits good for processing. Mildew and WPBR resistant.

'Consort'
Immune to White Pine Blister Rust, sweet-tart musky fruits. 4-6 feet tall.

'Coronet'
Medium-sized black fruits.WPBR immune. 3-5 feet tall.

'Crusader'
WPBR resistant and cold hardy. Tart dark berries, 4-6 feet tall.

'Freedom'
Cold-hardy with dark fruits. Early ripening.

'Greenlife'
With mild sweet green-white translucent fruits.

'Ores'
Garden cultivar with dark berries good for jams and juices.

'Ruben'
Midseason producer with large black fruits.

'Tahsis'
Resistant to WPBR; compact with large black berries that have tropical flavors.

'Titania'
Vigorous, powdery mildew resistant with large berries. Cold hardy.

Ribes rubrum (Redcurrant, Red Currant, White Currant, Pink Currant)
This species is native to western Europe and frequently escapes cultivation to naturalize in disturbed soils, woodlands, fencerows, and thickets across North America and Europe. It reaches up to 3 to 5 feet tall when mature, and produces yellow-green inconspicuous flowers. Foliage is green. Berries are bright red. These plants are self-pollinating but will produce more when in proximity to another plant. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

'Blanka'
With creamy white berries on a shrub 3-5 feet tall.

'Jonkheer van Tets'
Red currant with sweet-tart flavor. Highly productive and ornamental. 3-5 feet tall.

'Pink Champagne'
Compact shrub with rose-pink sweet berries.

'Red Lake'
Cold-hardy with bright red currants; ripe in midsummer. 3-5 feet tall and wide.

'Rovada'
Large bright red currants that are ripe in late summer. 3-5 feet tall.

'Stanza'
Compact with red tart berries that ripen mid to late season.

'White Imperial'
Heirloom cultivar with pearl white berries with pink blush. 4-6 feet tall and wide.

Ribes sativum (White Currant, Red Currant, Common Currant, Redcurrant)
This deciduous species reaches about 3 feet tall and just as wide at maturity. These plants are suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-9. It is self-fruiting and produces sweet yellow or white-yellow berries. These shrubs have a requirement of 80 to 1,500 chill hours to produce a healthy fruit set. Cultivars are listed below:

'Cherry'
A red-fruiting variety.

'Jonkheer Van Tets'
A red-fruiting variety.

'Red Lake'
A red-fruiting variety.

'Wilder'
A red-fruiting variety.

'Blanca'
A white-fruiting variety.

'Primus'
A white-fruiting variety.

Ribes sanguineum (Red Flowering Currant, Redflower Currant, Red-Flowering Currant, Red Currant, Blood Currant)
This deciduous shrub grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones A3, 4-9 and 14-24 and is native to the Coast Ranges from California up to British Columbia. It reaches 5-12 feet tall and wide at maturity and has dark green leaves. Flowers are a deep pink-red, blooming in springtime in small drooping clusters. Fruit is blue-black and has a white bloom; it is edible but has a rather bland or mildly tart flavor. These shrubs are grown for their ornamental value. Cultivars are listed and described below:

R. sanguineum glutinosum
Deep to pale pink blooms bloom in large clusters.

'Barrie Coate'
With red-pink flowers.

'King Edward VII'
With red flowers.

'Pulborough Scarlet'
With red flowers.

'Elk River Red'
With red flowers.

'Broklebankii'
Pink flowers on a plant that has golden foliage.

'Claremont'
Pink flowers age to red.

'Poky's Pink'
Pink flowers in 8-inch clusters.

'Spring Showers'
Pink flowers in 8-inch clusters.

'Album'
White flowering variety.

'White Icicle'
With white flowers.

Ribes speciosum (Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry, Californian Fuchsia, Grosella Espinosa de Flor Fucsia, Grosella Espinosa con Fucsia)
This species is native to central and southern California and Baja California, Mexico, where it grows in scrub and chaparral landscapes. It forms a spreading shrub to 10 feet tall with dark green foliage. Flowers are tubular and red, with red stamens and stigmas that protrude far from the mouth of the flower. This is a great ornamental drought-tolerant plant and can do well under Oak trees and as a barrier plant. Berries are translucent and red, and are primarily consumed by wildlife. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 7-9 and 14-24.

Ribes uva-crispa (Gooseberry, European Gooseberry, Garden Gooseberry)
This species is widely cultivated for its edible fruits, and forms straggling shrubs to 5 feet tall and wide at maturity. Leaves are green and flowers are red to whitish. Fruits that follow can be green, yellow, red, or purple depending on the cultivar grown. Garden Gooseberry plants are suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and typically need between 800 and 1,200 chill hours to break dormancy and fruit successfully.

'Black Velvet'
This is a thorny variety with a good disease-resistance and dark red fruit that has a hint of Blueberry.

'Captivator'
Very few thorns. Red-purple teardrop-shaped fruits. Good mildew resistance.

'Hinnonmäki Röd'
Sweet fruits with tart skin. Good mildew resistance.

'Hinnonmäki Yellow'
Reliable heavy crops of sweet yellow-green fruits.

'Friend'
Fruit off this plant can be eaten fresh; this variety is native to Ukraine.

'Invicta'
High-yielding with pale green-yellow fruit. Good disease resistance. Medium-late crop.

'Oregon Champion'
Thorny plant that bears green fruit profusely.

'Pax'
Vigorous with few prickles, medium-late red fruits.

'Pixwell'
Pink-green medium-sized fruits on almost thornless stems.

'Poorman'
Vigorous, less thorns than most. Fruit is sweet and red, can be eaten fresh although skin is tart.

'Remarka'
Aromatic, early season. Red berries.

'Rixanta'
Late variety, aromatic. Yellow berries.

'Welcome'
Medium to large tart, dull red fruit on a productive plant that has good disease resistance.

Ribes viburnifolium (Catalina Perfume, Evergreen Currant)
This species grows in zones 5, 7-9, 14-17 and 19-24 and is native to Catalina Island in Baja California. It reaches 3-6 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with wine red stems. Stems may root when they touch moist soil. Dark green leaves are leathery and fragrant (like pine or apples) and flowers are purple-pink, blooming from the middle of winter through springtime. Berries that follow blooms are red. Cut out upright stems to keep plant looking neat and low. Great for banks or under native oaks; needs little to no irrigation.

Caring for Ribes

Plant Ribes shrubs in a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms and subsequent fruit. In warmer climates, they appreciate afternoon shade. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.2 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. Once mature, these shrubs are drought-resistant and do not need any formal irrigation. They will, however, benefit from deep waterings during dry spells. If cultivating Ribes for their edible fruits, provide regular water in spring and summer when plants are flowering and fruiting.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple for ornamental shrubs; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants. The best time of year to prune is just after flowering in early summertime. Shrubs cultivated for their berries should be pruned in late winter to early springtime before new growth begins for the season. Prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Year old wood produces small fruit buds and spurs, especially near the base. 2 and 3 year old wood is the most productive. Wood that is four years or older becomes thick, darkened and unproductive, and a third of it can be pruned out. Take these branches back to ground level. Make sure to keep a good rotation and balance of 1, 2, and 3, year old canes in order to ensure a continuous, high-yielding harvest each year. Ribes plants reach their productive capacity in 3 to 4 years, and continue producing good crops until around age 20. The life expectancy of Ribes shrubs is 20 to 30 years.

Caring for Ribes in Containers
Ribes shrubs are wonderful can also be grown in containers provided their root systems have enough space. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Ribes plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Ribes
Most Ribes shrubs cultivated for their edible fruits require between 800 and 1,500 chill hours to break winter dormancy properly and produce a strong fruit set, though this varies depending on the species. The species most commonly cultivated for their fruits are Ribes hirtellum (Wild Gooseberry; 3-10 pounds of fruit per year), Ribes x nidigrolaria (Jostaberry; 10-15 pounds of fruit per year), Ribes nigrum (Blackcurrant, Greencurrant; 3 to 10 pounds of fruit per year), Ribes rubrum (Redcurrant; 3 to 10 pounds of fruit per year), Ribes sativum (White Currant, Red Currant; 3 to 10 pounds of fruit per year), and Ribes uva-crispa (Gooseberry; 5-10 pounds of fruit per year). Harvest fruits in mid to late summer when they are fully colored (red, yellow, white, green, black, purple, or pink, depending on the species and cultivar). Ripe fruits should feel slightly soft and yield easily when gently pulled from the cluster. For fresh eating or wine-making, harvest fully ripe, soft fruits. If making preserves, harvest slightly underripe (firm) berries. Unripe berries will be more sour; berries that are fully ripe will be sweet. Currants are harvested in bunches, using clean, sharp snips or shears to cut stems from the plant. Gooseberries and Jostaberries can be harvested individually by hand or in bunches. The fruits in a bunch will ripen at different times, so harvesting every few days ensures fresher fruits.

Fruits can be stored unwashed in the refrigerator in a shallow, sealable container lined with a paper towel. They will stay fresh for one to three weeks. They should be washed right before consuming, using, or preserving. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen in a single layer in the freezer for two hours and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 10 to 12 months. Black currants are bold, tart, and have a flavor similar to a dark Grape, Blackberry, and Cranberry with woody undertones. They are used in liquors, cooking, and savory meat sauces. Red currants are bright and fruity with a flavor similar to fruit punch or sour candy. They are ideal for making jams, jellies, and syrups. White (yellow/green) and pink currants are milder and sweeter and are best eaten fresh or used in light desserts or as garnish. Gooseberries are tart, tangy and acidic when unripe and sweet, rich, and Grape or Kiwi flavored when fully mature. They are used in preserves, pies, and sauces, as well as in wines and for fresh consumption. Jostaberries are tangy, sweet and tart, combining the rich depth of black currant with the juicy flavor of a gooseberry.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Ribes shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrubs, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Ribes by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Ribes by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds are contained inside the berries produced by these shrubs, and will need to be removed before planting. Using a knife or abrasive surface, remove the seeds from their fruit, rinse them, and set them aside. Once you've prepared your seeds, place them in a sealable container or bag filled with moist peat moss. Place the container inside your refrigerator for between 90 and 120 days. After this time period, remove the seeds and lay them out to dry.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.