Ribes sanguineum 'Pulborough Scarlet'

flowering currant

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: April
• Flower colour: dark red
• Other features: bright green leaves
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A deciduous, spring-flowering, ornamental shrub with pendent clusters of dark red, tubular flowers which smother the bush in April. This popular form of flowering currant is compact and upright in habit making it ideal for where border space is limited or for growing as an informal, flowering hedge. To prevent the plant from becoming congested in late summer remove any dead or diseased branches and reduce the flowered shoots to a strong, lower bud.
  
  Ribes sanguineum originates from dry open woods and rocky slopes in western North America as far south as California. It was introduced in to Britain in 1817.
  
  
• Garden care: In late summer remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches to maintain a healthy, open framework and reduce the flowered shoots to a strong, lower bud. Prune specimens grown as hedges immediately after flowering. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.
  
  
• Pests and diseases: Ribes should never be planted near pine trees has it can be a host to white pine blister rust. It is also very susceptible to honey fungus, and aphids, leaf spot and powdery mildew can be a problem.