Soil
Red-flowering currants are adaptable to most soils, provided they’re well-draining.
It’s not a plant that likes soggy feet.
During this time, evenly moist but not waterlogged soils are best, andmulching around the rootshelps retain moisture.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These shrubs are drought-tolerant once fully established.
Up the watering schedule even more for container-grown shrubs.
They can handle up to 30 inches of precipitation annually.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
No water is required after late summer when the leaves begin to drop.
These shrubs don’t do well with prolonged spells of high humidity.
However, adding someorganic matterto the soil before planting helps encourage more vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Types
There are various red-flowering currant cultivars and hybrids to choose from.
Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer from the current season’s soft new growth.
Take hardwood cuttings when the shrub is dormant in late fall or winter.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
However, it isn’t a foolproof shrub.
It’s also host to white pine blister rust.
The blooms of red-flowering currants grow in drooping clusters between 1 and 3 inches long.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Each flower has five petals and emits a fragrance that some describe as lightly spicy.
However, pruning once flowering has finished helps to encourage abundant blooming the following spring.
These plants hate soggy conditions.
Red-flowering currant is classed as an invasive species in New Zealand, where it naturalized over a century ago.
Red-flowering currants are large shrubs that can reach up to 10 feetand occasionally morewhen conditions are right.
Many cultivars have more compact habits, typically reaching just 6 to 8 feet when fully established.
The berries of the red-flowering currant are edible.
However, they aren’t known for being particularly flavorful.
If you don’t like the taste, leave the berries on the shrub.
Birds and other wildlife aren’t as fussy as humans and enjoy feasting on red-flowering currant berries.
Red flowering currant, Washington State University Clark County Extension Office.
