The federal ban on importing Ribes plants into the US may have been lifted, but fourteen (14!) states (mostly in the northeast and upper ...Read Moremidwest) still have varying restrictions on planting various Ribes.
This species is an alternate host to white pine blister rust, a serious problem for a major timber crop in the east. Some Ribes species and some Ribes cultivars of susceptible species are resistant to the disease.
Before planting this in the east and upper midwest, consult your state's Department of Natural Resources to find out whether planting this species is legal.
These shrubs can get BIG - Have a group of three topping 8 feet in height and would spread that far too, I'm sure, if not for severe prun...Read Moreing, which bothers it not a bit - takes a year or two to get as big as it was before the "haircut"
Amazing spring bloom - in full display right now (early May); beautifully showy. Makes great cutflower filler with tulips etc.
Very fragrant - clove aroma. Hummingbirds absolutely love these.
Quite shade tolerant; very adaptive as to soil; self seeds a fair bit but easy to pull out/transplant babies. Drought tolerant once established but does appreciate a spot with some moisture.
Small black currants apparently make good jelly; haven't tried them though one young visitor always eats them by the handful. Much too sour for me, though!
Attractive red & yellow fall foliage colour.
A hedge of these would be very attractive. Specimen plants look great, too, easily pruned to desired size/shape.
Growing it in zone 9B in partial sun in Phoenix. It is a pretty tough plant.
The federal ban on importing Ribes plants into the US may have been lifted, but fourteen (14!) states (mostly in the northeast and upper ...Read More
These shrubs can get BIG - Have a group of three topping 8 feet in height and would spread that far too, I'm sure, if not for severe prun...Read More