Pacific Northwest: Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)

Red flowering currant ranks among the earliest-blooming shrubs in Northwest gardens. Drooping clusters of red, scarlet, pink, or white flowers appear in early March as maplelike leaves emerge. The first blossoms feed rufous hummingbirds returning from Mexico, and flowers continue through April. In June, blue-black currants (edible but not tasty) cover the plant.

Choice varieties for flower color: 'Elk River Red', 'Hannaman's White', 'Pokey's Pink', and 'Pulborough Scarlet'. These deciduous shrubs grow 5 to 8 feet tall and wide. They thrive in Sunset climate zones A3, 4-9, and 17.

Look for varieties at garden centers or order from Forestfarm.