Grown for the masses of pink flowers in spring, Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII is commonly called the ‘Red Flowering Currant Bush’.
From west coast of North America from southern Canada to Northern California where it grows on the margins of woodlands or forests where it gets a good amount of sun. well drained soil and a good amount of sun. It prefers a lightly acidic soil iand the species itself and has flowers that range from white to pink to a deep red depending on variety.
Excellent as a feature plant in the garden and with its easy to prune nature also makes a good hedging plant.
The flowers are followed by small black berries, and these attract birds to the garden however for edible currants try Ribes nigram.
Ribes sanguiniun King Edward VII is regarded by many as the best variety.
How to Grow Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII – Basic Care
Best grown in full sun and a humus rich well drained soil, once established this is a reasonably drought tolerant plant. Over time it will reach around 3 metres in height, however it is easily pruned to a smaller size if required.
- Watering
An occasional deep watering over dry periods in summer will be beneficial. - Fertiliser
After flowering fertilise with a mix of aged cow manure and good garden mulch. The best time to fertilise is immediately after flowering. - Pruning
Reaching around 2 – 4m in height is left unpruned, pruning will give you a more compact shape however this is not essential.
This is an early flowering shrub and flowers mainly on 1 year old wood.
Therefore the best time to prune is after flowering, simply remove any old dead wood and unwanted branches.
Prune back to set of buds to the height you want for the garden.
It is a good idea to open up older plants by removing some of the older growth.
Ribes sanguineum is available from the following suppliers
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
In Melbourne try –
GENTIANA NURSERY – 03 9751 2163
Olinda Monbulk Rd. Olinda.