Flowering Currant: A Pacific Northwest Native That Feeds Wildlife Year-Round

Long cherished in the British Isles for chubby racemes of bright late-winter-to-early-spring flowers, flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is finally earning its due in West Coast gardens. Beyond cheerful early blooms, these natives are wildlife powerhouses.

Far Out Flora

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Ribes sanguineum
• Common names: Flowering currant, winter currant, red- or pink-flowering currant
• Origin: Western coastal North America, central BC to central CA; var. sanguineum (northern CA to central BC) sources most PNW cultivars
• Hardiness: Zones 6–9 (to -10°F)
• Water: Thrives in mild coastal Mediterranean climate (dry summer, wet winter). Once established, little to no supplemental summer water except in hot, sunny spots; less in shade, more in sun
• Light: Shade to sun; flowering more prolific in sun
• Mature size: 6–12 feet tall and wide, cultivar-dependent
• Benefits: Blossoms provide nectar/pollen; fruit in late summer–fall
• Seasonal interest: Chubby racemes of white, pink, bicolor, or pinkish-red flowers in March–April; powdery blue-black berries in late summer; buttery yellow fall color
• When to plant: Fall to spring ideal

Girasole Sonoma

Distinguishing Traits

Blooms comprise myriad tubular flowers in drooping racemes — hummingbird and bee magnets. Foliage has a resinous scent (beloved by some, pungent to others) and low deer appeal. A fantastic late-winter bloomer, starting as early as February in the south, March–April farther north.

Flowering currant berries are important forage for PNW wildlife. Clusters of blackish-blue berries are ornamental — if you spot them before birds devour them.

Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Patrice78500

Far Out Flora

Design Uses

Excellent for tough, dry, partial-shade areas (still needs winter moisture). Plant in shady parking strips, massed in shrubberies or informal hedges, native gardens, and difficult back-of-border spots. Also shines in featured locations near the house — if you enjoy the sweet resinous foliage scent.

Planting Notes

Ideally plant in autumn for strong root establishment over winter. Avoid planting directly under large mature conifers where rain doesn't penetrate — a no-win for drought-tolerant plants. Prefers partial shade, decent drainage, and scarce summer water.

Landscapes & Cie

Selected Cultivars

• 'White Icicle' (shown): White flowers on fat racemes; fast growth to 6 feet. White flowers valued by hummingbirds as much as red.
• 'Pokey's Pink': Candy-pink aging to pale pink for bicolor effect; 6–8 feet.
• 'King Edward VII': Vivid red flowers; upright habit; 8+ feet.
• 'Pulborough Scarlet': Hot-pink flowers; floriferous and vigorous; 8+ feet.
• 'Brocklebankii': Golden spring foliage turning chartreuse in summer; pink flowers; smaller (5 feet), slower. Golden foliage burns — best in morning sun or partial shade.