GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Red Currant

Ribes rubrum · Shrub

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −15 to −20°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
1–2 m × —
Soil
moist but well-drained; tolerates most soils not waterlogged; benefits from organic matter
Flowering
March–May
Toxicity
No toxicity recorded

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Currant leaf spot: Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves in autumn to reduce overwintering spores.

Powdery mildew: Prune for good air circulation and choose resistant varieties where possible.

Currant blister aphid: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds; chemical control is rarely needed.

Coral spot: Prune out affected branches during the dormant season to improve hygiene.

Gall midge: Cut off and destroy affected shoot tips as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/ribes-rubrum © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia