Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'

flowering currant

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: April and May
• Flower colour: deep crimson
• Other features: toothed, aromatic, dark green leaves
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A deciduous, spring-flowering, ornamental shrub with pendent clusters of deep crimson, tubular flowers, followed by spherical, blue-black fruit. 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