Flowering Currant Hedge (Ribes sanguineum)

Flowering Currant Hedge Plant Description

Flowering Currant Hedge Plants (Ribes sanguineum) are a striking addition to any garden, known for their vibrant spring flowers and wildlife-friendly attributes. Native to North America, this deciduous shrub is popular in the UK for its ornamental value and ease of care.

Flowering Currant has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 30-60cm (12-24 inches) per year, and can reach a height of 1.5-2.5 metres (5-8 feet) when fully mature. It is an ideal choice for medium-sized hedges or mixed borders.

Flowers: One of the standout features of Flowering Currant is its pendant-like clusters of deep pink to red flowers, which bloom in early spring (March to April). These striking flowers provide early nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for wildlife gardens.

Foliage: The plant’s leaves are broad and lobed, emerging with a fresh green colour in spring and often giving off a light, aromatic scent when crushed.

Fruit: After flowering, the plant produces small, black or dark purple berries, which are edible but quite sour. While they are not typically consumed by humans, they are a valuable food source for birds.

Shape: Flowering Currant forms a dense, bushy shape with a naturally informal appearance, though it can be pruned to maintain a more structured hedge.

Pruning Advice

Flowering Currant thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of conditions, including full sun or partial shade. It is hardy and tolerant of UK climates, requiring little maintenance apart from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape.

With its vibrant early spring blooms, attractive foliage, and wildlife benefits, Flowering Currant is an excellent choice for those looking to create a hedge that offers both seasonal interest and support for local biodiversity. It is particularly well-suited for informal hedges or mixed shrub borders.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per metre in a single row or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.