Flowering currant plants (Ribes)
Ribes, commonly known as flowering currant, is an excellent deciduous shrub producing beautiful clusters of pendant, tubular flowers, usually in shades of deep pink to red, in early spring before the plant comes into leaf. It has a compact, upright growth habit, typically reaching around 2.5 metres wide by 3 metres tall, perfect for filling gaps in a mixed or shrub border. Flowering current also makes a fabulous single species flowering hedge, or part of a mixed hedge. It is unfussy about soil type, tolerant of salt-laden air and strong winds, making it suitable for coastal locations, and will thrive in full sun or partial shade. Thin out any congested or crossing branches in late summer to maintain an open framework allowing plenty of air flow through the centre and cut back flowered shoots to a strong, lower bud.