White currant - Ribes rubrum cv. - €9
​ per plant

White currant is a cultivar of the red currant native to parts of Western Europe but is also widely cultivated elsewhere, proving very popular in the kitchen with a well established reputation for being the main ingredient in many sauces and jellies. It is often found on river banks and in damp, shady deciduous woodland making it a perfect candidate for the woodland garden shrub layer.  Established plants can produce an abundance of nutritious and tasty fruit. The berries are translucent and delicate to look at, and very rich in vitamin C. The plants we offer are 1year old bare root plants that should start to produce fruit the next season after planting.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Western Europe, including Britain.
  • native habitat: hedges and woodlands, often on the banks of rivers or streams
  • family: Grossulariaceae

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or  full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
  • Prefers moist soil 
  • Mulch with compost  every spring for optimum yields
  • Water when dry in summer  

Caution 

  • ​The fresh leaves contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide. This substance is found in several foods, including almonds. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. 

Overview

  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m.
  • In leaf Mar-Nov, flowers from Apr to May, and fruits from July to August. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers moist soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils, although strongly acidic soils should be avoided
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • Prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized deciduous shrub
  • layer : Shrub layer 
  • habit: multi-stemmed, shallow roots  
  • height x width (m): 1.2 x 0.5
  • years to bearing fruit: 3-4 years from seed

Products 

  • Fruit: A pleasant acidic flavoured berry, it can be eaten straight from the plant but is more often used in sauces.  A very rich source of vitamin C
  • Leaves:  Pretty with 3 to 5 lobes, similar to the leaf of a maple. Although used medicinally, refer to known hazards.
  • Flowers: small, yellowy green

Functions, behaviours

  • Plants are quite tolerant of shade, even succeeding on a north-facing wall although they do not fruit as well there
  • Leafs out in mid spring 
  • An established shrub can yield up to 4kg of fruit annually
  • Easy to propagate from hard wood cuttings 
  • Self pollinates
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project