Ribes rubrum aka Garden Currant

Ribes rubrum, the common redcurrant, is native to western Europe. It belongs to the currant family, Grossulariaceae. The RHS lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. This deciduous shrub has a bushy form and sheds its leaves. It suits temperate gardens and provides edible fruit. The species has given rise to red, white and pink currants.

The leaves have three or five lobes. Small flowers have a greenish-yellow hue. They give way to red berries with a glossy skin. The fruit hangs in clusters from the branches. Each berry holds quite a few seeds. Its sharp taste suits both fresh and cooked uses. Eat the ripe fruit raw, or cook it in pies. It also makes jam. The fruit brings a useful food crop to informal gardens.

Give this shrub full sun or some shade in cultivation. Choose a sheltered site with soil that drains well. Moist soil suits it, though the RHS also accepts well-drained conditions. It grows in clay, loam or sand. The RHS lists acid, neutral and alkaline soils as suitable. PFAF describes wild plants in damp woods and hedges. That source also notes avoidance of acid soils in those habitats. Mulch can help where the soil tends to dry out. Use well-rotted compost, manure or bark for this purpose. The RHS rates its hardiness H6; PFAF gives USDA zones 4–8.

Redcurrant fits cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and woodland edges. Gardeners can train it as a bush, standard, cordon or fan. Do the main pruning while the plant is dormant. Strong side shoots can also need pruning in summer. Take hardwood cuttings in autumn to raise new plants. The RHS gives five to ten years to maturity. Watch for aphids, gall mites and gall midge. Leaf spot, powdery mildew and coral spot can occur. Honey fungus may also affect the shrub.

The edible berries do not make every plant part safe. PFAF reports hydrogen cyanide in fresh leaves, without stating amounts. Excess exposure can cause severe poisoning, so avoid eating the leaves. PFAF records traditional medicinal uses, including leaf poultices for joint complaints. These reports do not establish safety or treatment benefits. Other recorded uses include yellow dye from leaves. The fruit supplies black dye and has served in face masks.