Ribes sang. ‘King Edward VII’ 2L pot

Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’

Common Name: Flowering Currant ‘King Edward VII’
Family: Grossulariaceae
Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Origin: Native to North America; this variety is cultivated for ornamental use

Plant Description:

• Height & Spread: Grows to 1.5–2 meters tall and wide

• Foliage: Deep green, lobed leaves with a slightly aromatic scent when crushed

• Flowers: Striking deep crimson-red flowers in drooping clusters (racemes), blooming from March to April

• Fruit: Small blue-black berries may follow in summer (mildly toxic to humans if consumed)

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub with a rounded form

• Deciduous: Loses its leaves in autumn, but makes a vibrant return in spring

Usage:

• Ornamental Shrub: Ideal for adding early spring color to gardens

• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Hedging & Screening: Can be planted as an informal hedge or privacy screen

• Cottage & Wildlife Gardens: Perfect for naturalistic or informal planting schemes

• Mixed Borders: Great companion for other spring-flowering shrubs and perennials

• Low Maintenance Landscaping: Popular in public gardens and urban landscapes

Care Instructions:

☀️ Light Requirements:

• Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade

• Flowering is more prolific with more sun exposure

Soil Preferences:

• Grows well in well-drained, fertile soil

• Tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soil

• Avoid very dry or waterlogged locations

Watering:

• Water regularly during the first growing season

• Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

✂️ Pruning:

• Prune immediately after flowering (late spring)

• Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems to the base to encourage new growth

• Light shaping keeps the plant compact and tidy

❄️ Hardiness:

• Fully hardy in the UK and most temperate regions (USDA zones 5–8)

Pests & Diseases:

• Generally pest-free

• May occasionally suffer from powdery mildew or leaf spot in damp, shaded conditions