Flowering Currant Pulborough Scarlet

A splendid cultivar of the familiar flowering currant, Ribes sanguineum Pulborough Scarlet is a vigorous, medium-sized to large, deciduous shrub with a dense, upright habit. The lobed, mid-green leaves, typically currant-like, are strongly aromatic and colour well in autumn. In March and April, the bush is covered with pendent clusters of deep crimson flowers with white centres; these are very attractive to bees. Small, inedible, blue-black berries with a glaucous bloom often follow. Because of its upright, dense growth, flowering currant Pulborough Scarlet is particularly good as part of a flowering hedge, or where space is limited. Be aware that this shrub is vulnerable to honey fungus.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 8’ (2.5m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m) in 5-10 years