Ribes sanguineum
An erect deciduous shrub with multiple upright stems and drooping racemes of flowers in shades from pale pink to deep red in early spring. The blooms appear in dense clusters along the length of the stems before the leaves fully expand, creating a striking display that attracts hummingbirds and early pollinators. The dark green, lobed leaves release a resinous scent when crushed.
Flowers give way to small, glaucous blue-black berries in summer. Plants thrive in sun or part shade with well-drained soil and are notably drought-tolerant once established. Can be pruned immediately after flowering to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth. Suitable for informal hedges, borders, and woodland edges. Native to the Pacific coast from British Columbia to California.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun to part shade
Moisture: average to dry
Soil: well-drained; tolerates poor soils
Hardiness zone: 5
Maintenance: low to moderate
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 180
Spread (cm): 180
Habit: upright multi-stemmed
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: March–April
Seasonal interest: early spring flowers; summer berries; autumn color; winter structure
Foliage: green
Flower: pink to red
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: hummingbirds; early pollinators; birds (fruit)
Deer/Rabbit resistance: moderate
Habitat: borders; woodland edges; hedges; pollinator gardens
Features: early spring bloom; hummingbird magnet; drought-tolerant once established; fragrant foliage; blue-black berries
Notes: prune after flowering; tolerates poor soil; berries edible but tart; native to BC to California