Latin name : Ribes sanguineum.
Botanical family : Grossulariaceae such as red currant, black currant and gooseberry.
Main types : The genus Ribes contains about 150 species from the fairly temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Uses : Ornamental shrub used in isolation, in a flowering hedge or a massif.
DESCRIPTION
Origin: Ribes sanguineum is native to North America. Botanically very similar, the Alpine gooseberry (R. alpinum) is a spontaneous dioecious species (separated into male and female individuals) from the light woods of eastern France.
Main characteristics : Also called flowering currant, the blood currant is a deciduous shrub that can exceed 2 to 3 meters high. But it is rarely allowed to reach these dimensions. Its clusters of pink or white flowers appear before the leaves. Fragrant and honey-like, they attract lots of bees and other auxiliary insects. The foliage is fragrant, especially when crumpled. In some cultivars, it acquires pretty colors in the fall. Among the many cultivars, we can cite 'White Icicle' bushy with white flowers (for partial shade), 'Pulborough Scarlet' with dark pink-red flowers with white heart,
Flowering period : March to the end of April.
Hardiness : Excellent frost resistance, down to -20 ° C).
CULTURE
Difficulty level : Very easy.
Soil : Undemanding, Ribes sanguineum supports all types of soil, even clay-limestone, provided that the water does not stagnate for a long time.
Exposure : Full sun to partial shade.
Sowing / planting : Ribes are propagated by layering or cuttings (stems augured in summer or stems with heels in winter).
Crop management : Each year, just after flowering, cut each branch above the 2 or 3 branches that develop towards their base. This helps to contain the development of the shrub and make it more flowering.
Common diseases and parasites : Very resistant to classic diseases. However, it can be attacked by rust or powdery mildew in hot, humid weather.
Sheet produced by Philippe Lemettais, SNHF, for the Ornamental trees and shrubs section (www.snhf.org).
