Ribes

( RYE - beez )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering evergreen and deciduous shrubs needs full sun to partial shade and varying water needs (depending on the species grown). There are two groups in this genus, Currants (plants with no spines) and Gooseberries (plants with spines). The flowers and berries will attract birds and butterflies to your garden. Use Ribes shrubs as background plantings, in mixed shrubberies, or as specimen plants.

Ribes Species and Varietals

The genus Ribes has about 200 species and is the sole member of the plant family Grossulariaceae. 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.
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Currants

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.

​Ribes aureum (Ribes odoratum) (Golden Currant, Golden Flowering Currant)
This species takes the form of a deciduous shrub, and grows well in zones A2, A3, 1-12 and 14-23. They are native to the inland regions of the West. It has an erect habit, reaching 3-6 feet tall and wide. Leaves are light green and have toothed edges. Flowers are yellow and commonly have a spicy fragrance, blooming in clusters in springtime. Berries follow flowers in summertime and emerge yellow before turning red and then fading to black. This species needs moderate to regular water. A choice garden selection is Ribes aureum gracillimum; a California variety best in zones 6-10 and 14-24 that has unscented reddish-orange blooms. A variety with particularly wonderful fruit is 'Crandall', ​a rust-resistant variety that has shiny black fruit with a rich sweet-tart flavor.

Ribes indecorum (White Flowering Currant)
This species grows well in zones 7-9, 11 and 14-24 and is native to the coastal mountain ranges of Southern California. Reaches 6-9 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. 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. This species does not need irrigation but can also tolerate garden watering schedules.

Ribes malvaceum (Chaparral Currant)
This deciduous species of Currant grows well in 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 water.
Ribes sativum (White and Red Currants)
​This deciduous species reaches about 3 feet tall and just as wide. It is self-fruiting and produces many delectable varieties of fruits, including those 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)
This deciduous shrub grows well in 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, with 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. Common garden varieties are listed below.
Ribes sanguineum glutinosum
Deep to pale pink blooms bloom in large clusters.
'Barrie Coate'
With red 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 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.

Gooseberries

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. They generally grow best in zones A1-A3, 1-6 and 15-17, though this can vary somewhat depending on the species. See the descriptions below for more information.

Ribes speciosum (Fuchsia-Flowering Gooseberry)
This species is nearly evergreen, and grows well in zones 7-9 and 14-24. It is native to the central coast of California down through Baja California. Reaches 4-8 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide, with spiny, bristly stems. Leaves are dark green above, lighter underneath. Flowers are crimson to cherry red and have protruding stamens. Berries are gummy, bristly, and red. Great as a barrier plant, and needs no irrigation, though supplemental water will keep it evergreen throughout its summer dormancy. Needs partial shade in the warmest climates. This species is generally grown as an ornamental.
Fruiting Gooseberry Varieties
These plants are grown mainly for their fruit-producing quality, though they do provide interest through almost year-round foliage and beautiful flowers that fade to make way for the berries.
'Black Velvet'
This is a thorny variety with a good disease-resistance and dark red fruit that has a little taste of blueberry.
'Captivator'
Teardrop-shaped large pink fruit with a sweet taste. Nearly thornless plant with good mildew resistance.
'Friend'
Fruit off this plant can be eaten fresh; this variety is native to Ukraine. 
'Invicta'
Fruit is large and green, plant is thorny and mildew-resistant.
'Oregon Champion'
Thorny plant that bears green fruit profusely.
'Pixwell'
Hardy, almost thornless variety with tart, pink fruit.
'Poorman'
Vigorous, less thorns than most. Fruit is sweet and red, can be eaten fresh although skin is tart.
'Welcome'
Medium to large tart, dull red fruit on a productive plant that has good disease resistance.
Jostaberry
This group of disease-resistant hybrids are crosses between species of Currant and Gooseberry, and the fruit makes great jams and jellies. They are best when grown in zones A3, 1-6 and 15-17.

Caring for and pruning Ribes shrubs

Ribes shrubs should be planted in full sun to partial shade, and will produce more fruit the more sunlight they get. Well-draining soil is essential for these shrubs to thrive, and they prefer soil to be slightly acidic to neutral (with a pH of between 6.2 and 7.5). Water new shrubs regularly to establish a strong root system. Once mature, these shrubs are drought-resistant and do not need any formal irrigation. They will, however, benefit from deep waterings during dry spells, and regular water during the fruiting season. Apply mulch around the bottom of the shrub, ensuring that the mulch does not touch the shrub itself. Prune to maintain shape and improve air circulation. Remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning is done in late winter or early springtime. After fruiting has ceased, prune to remove dead or weak branches and spent fruit clusters. These shrubs don't require heavy fertilization, but can benefit from a feeding in early springtime to promote healthy growth and support fruiting activities.

Harvesting Ribes Shrubs
Harvest berries when they are fully ripe, being gentle to not damage the plant while harvesting. Unripe berries will be sour; berries that are just right will be sweet. Harvest in bunches, not individually, as this will reduce the risk of damaging any of them. The color of the fruit will dictate what they taste like (and what recipes they will do well in). Black currants contain a lot of vitamin C, and is often made into jellies or to flavor wine or other beverages. They are not eaten fresh as often as red or white varieties. Red currants have the highest acidity of the three types and are therefore more sour. They are eaten fresh, made into juice, or added to jams and cakes. White currants are mild but sweet, and are wonderful in wines.

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
  1. 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. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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
  1. 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. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
Ribes seeds are contained inside fruit.
Ribes seeds.

Problems and Pests

Ribes plants suffer from common garden ailments such as:
  • Aphids
  • Whiteflies
  • Powdery Mildew
  • White Pine Blister Rust
Learn about how to eradicate these issues using the following links:
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Gallery

Ribes shrubs are great in mixed beds.
The berries produced by these shrubs are loved by birds and other animals.
The flowers produced by these shrubs are beautiful, and dangle from branches in clusters.

Videos

All about Ribes sanguineum.
Growing tips for all species of Ribes plants.
How to identify a Currant bush.
Flowering Currants and how to care for them.

Resources

Currants: From Cultivation to Harvest
How to Grow Ribes
How to Grow and Care for Red-Flowering Currant
Wikipedia: Ribes
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 274, Currant; Page 341, Gooseberry; Page 566, Ribes
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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