Ribes griffithii

Ribes griffithii is a deciduous shrub in the Grossulariaceae family. Its native range runs from the Himalaya into western China. It occurs in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sikkim in India. Its Chinese range includes Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan. It grows in forests, woodland edges, and mountain thickets. Records place these habitats at 8,530–13,780 feet [2,600–4,200 metres]. It is a plant of temperate regions.

The plant forms a bush with several stems. It can also grow as a small tree. Garden plants reach about 8.2 feet [2.5 metres] tall. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach maturity. Its leaves have lobes and toothed edges. They fall before winter, leaving the stems bare. The flowers hang down and have yellow and red tones. They open from May to June. Bright red fruit follows in August. Each fruit can reach about 0.04 feet [0.012 metres] across.

Grow this species in moist soil that drains well. The RHS recommends soil with a moderate level of fertility. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Full sun is a good choice for cultivation. The RHS also lists partial shade as suitable. Plants For A Future suggests woodland edges and dappled shade. The plant can grow in exposed or sheltered sites. Its RHS hardiness rating is H6. This covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C.

This shrub suits informal hedges, screens, and cottage gardens. The RHS also lists wildlife gardens and flower beds. Its flowers and red fruit provide seasonal points of interest. The RHS classes it as easy to grow. Trim a hedge once its flowers have finished. Hardwood cuttings taken in winter offer a means of propagation. Aphids may attack it, and several diseases can occur. These include leaf spot, powdery mildew, honey fungus, and coral spot.

The fruit is edible either raw or cooked. Plants For A Future describes its taste as rather harsh. That source gives its food value two out of five. It records no known hazards, but this is not a full safety assessment. It lists no known medicinal uses or other uses. It also records no weed potential for this species.