Ribes sanguineum 'Pulborough Scarlet'

flowering currant

Eventual height & spread

Ribes sanguineum 'Pulborough Scarlet'

flowering currant

  • 2 litre pot
  • £22.99
  • available to order from late spring
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.95
  • Position: Full sun
  • Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: Average to fast
  • Flowering period: April
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy


A deciduous, spring-flowering, ornamental shrub with pendent clusters of dark red, tubular flowers that smother the bush in April. This popular form of flowering currant is compact and upright in habit, making it ideal for where border space is limited or for growing as an informal, flowering hedge. If grown as a specimen shrub, prevent the plant from becoming conjested in late summer by removing any dead or diseased branches and reduce the flowered shoots to a strong, lower bud.

Ribes sanguineum originates from dry open woods and rocky slopes in western North America as far south as California. It was introduced into Britain in 1817.

To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here


  • Garden care:
    In late summer remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches to maintain a healthy, open framework and reduce the flowered shoots to a strong, lower bud. Prune specimens grown as hedges immediately after flowering. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.

  • Pests and diseases: Ribes should never be planted near pine trees as it can be a host to white pine blister rust. It is also very susceptible to honey fungus, and aphids, leaf spot and powdery mildew can be a problem.
  • Goes well with