ShrubsRibes sanguineum
Flowering Currant
The flowering currant is one of the earliest-blooming garden shrubs, with hanging clusters of pink to deep red flowers appearing as early as March and April. The aromatic, three-lobed leaves emerge alongside the blooms. An indispensable spring shrub that attracts bees and butterflies early in the season.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 150–300 cm
- Spread
- 150–250 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–8
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, red
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun to partial shade in well-drained, reasonably fertile soil. The shrub is winter-hardy and tolerates some drought once established. Feed lightly with compost in spring.
Pruning tips
Prune immediately after flowering. Remove one third of the oldest branches to the ground to encourage young, flowering wood. Avoid autumn pruning — you will lose the flower buds for next spring.
Good companions
ShrubsForsythia × intermedia
Border Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring with an explosion of bright yellow flowers along bare branches. From March to April, this robust shrub turns the garden golden before the leaves appear. Forsythia grows quickly, is fully hardy, and makes a stunning specimen or hedge plant.
ShrubsSpiraea japonica
Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea is a compact, free-flowering shrub with flat clusters of pink flowers from June to August. The shrub has a neat, rounded form and works perfectly in small gardens, low hedges, or as border edging. Some cultivars feature decorative yellow-green or bronze-tinted foliage.
ShrubsWeigela florida
Weigela
Weigela is a versatile ornamental shrub that becomes smothered in trumpet-shaped flowers in pink to deep red during May and June. The shrub has a broad, arching growth habit and makes an attractive backdrop in the border. Some cultivars feature striking dark red or variegated foliage that extends interest into autumn.