Family: Grossulariaceae
Common Name: Currant

Originating from cool temperate zones of both the northern and the southern hemispheres, this genus consists of about 150 species of low-growing, deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Included in Ribes genus are attractive ornamentals, as well as the species producing delicious gooseberry and currants. Some species have beautiful autumn foliage, in brilliant reds and oranges, and lovely, spring flowers; others with reddish brown branches, provide a feature in the winter garden.

Species

R. americanum, American black cur-rant, zone 2, grows to 1.5 m (5 ft), with cream flowers, followed by black fruits. this species is grown for its brilliantly coloured autumn leaves.

R. x gordonianum, zone 6, to 2 m (6 ft(, is a sterile hybrid with pendulous sprays of bronze-red and yellow flowers.

R. malvaceum, zone 7, from California, grows to 2 m (6 ft), and bears pendent sprays of pink or purple flowers and purple fruit.

R. odoratum, zone 5, Buffalo cur-rant, to 2 m (6 ft), is grown mainly for the deliciously spicy, clove-like scent released by the yellow flowers borne in long sprays. The three-lobed, glossy leaves colour beautifully in autumn. The fruit is black.

R. sanguineum, zone 6, growing to 2 m (6 ft), is a popular species, native to North America, with drooping spikes of white, pink or crimson flowers in spring, and blue-black fruits. The aromatic lobed leaves are borne on graceful, arching stems. There are a number of good cultivars of this species: 'Brocklebankii', with yellow foliage and light pink flowers; 'King Edward VII', with deep red blooms; 'Pulborough Scarlet', with deep red blooms with white centers; and 'White Icicle', with white blooms.

R. speciosum, zone 7, to 2 rn 16 ft), has rich red, drooping, fuchsia-like flowers.

R. viburnifolium, zone 9, is an ever-green species from North America, to 2.5 m (8 ft). It has rose red flowers, red fruits, and leaves which smell of turpentine.

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil in a position which receives plenty of sun. Propagate deciduous species from hardwood cuttings, evergreens from semi-ripe cuttings, in summer.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.