Ribes petraeum aka Rock Currant

Ribes petraeum is a deciduous shrub known as rock redcurrant. It belongs to the currant family, Grossulariaceae, and comes from Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its form is bushy, with upright growth and green leaves. The leaves fall before winter, leaving the shrub bare until spring.

Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres) tall. Their spread is about 3–5 feet (1–1.5 metres). The RHS also describes a height near 6 feet (1.8 metres). These figures place that example within its wider garden range. Plants take two to five years to reach mature size. Allow space for both their height and their bushy spread. The upright habit suits beds where height matters more than width.

Clusters of red flowers appear in spring, followed by shiny red berries. The fruit has a sharp taste and holds many seeds. It can be used to make jam and other preserves. Its value as a crop lies in these edible berries. The flowers and fruit also give the shrub seasonal garden interest. The evidence does not give a fruit harvest month or yield. Nor does it establish a safety rating for the whole plant.

Grow rock redcurrant in full sun, in a sheltered, south-facing spot. It needs moist soil that lets excess water drain away. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Plants can grow in the ground or in a large container. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. This covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C. Suggested settings include courtyards, cottage gardens, patios, beds, and flower borders.

Routine care includes pruning in both summer and winter. Hardwood cuttings provide a way to raise more plants. The RHS advises taking these from young plants to reduce disease risk. Watch for aphids, gooseberry sawfly, currant scale, and spotted wing drosophila. These are listed as possible pests, not certain problems. American gooseberry mildew, grey moulds, and coral spot may also occur. These risks matter when choosing stock and keeping plants healthy. The shrub combines an edible crop with spring flowers and upright growth.