Ribes sanguineum - Flowering currant

Ribes sanguineum, also known as a flowering currant, is a shrub from North America from the pingeberry family family (Grossulariaceae). This plant is particularly popular in many gardens in Europe and North America because of its striking flowers and dense growth. The flowering currant is characterized by its robust, easy -to -care properties and the decorative flowers that appear early in the year and represent an important source of food for pollecting insects.

Morphology and appearance

Ribes sanguineum is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 1 to 3 meters. The plant forms many branched branches that create a dense, bushy appearance. The leaves of the flowering currant are dark green and lobed, mostly with three to five rags, and are similar in their shape to those of other types of currant. The leaf surface is slightly hairy and exudes a slightly resinous fragrance when grinding, which comes from the essential oils in the plant.

The flowers that appear in dense, hanging grapes in spring - usually from March - appear in spring. The flower colors vary from pink to deep red, with varieties with white or pale pink flowers also exist. The individual flowers are bell -shaped and about 1 cm long, with five striking crown leaves. They attract many pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and therefore play an important role in the early season for pollinating population.

After the flowering period, small, spherical, dark blue to black berries develop that are edible, but quite acidic and often bitter. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and are occasionally eaten by birds and wild animals, but are rarely consumed by humans because of their taste.

Distribution and habitat

Ribes originally came from the western regions of North America, from California via Oregon and Washington to British Columbia in Canada. There it grows in different habitats, such as in open forests, on the edge of the ride, as well as in bushy, damp areas. The plant is extremely adaptable and thrives in a variety of floors as long as they are well permeable.

In Europe, the bloodly goalkeeper was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th century and has been widespread since then. Due to its attractive floral and robustness, it is often used as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks. Ribes sanguineum is hardy and gets along well with temperatures below freezing, which makes it popular in moderate climate zones.

Ecological meaning

The flowering currant is an important source of food for pollinating insects. Her flowers that appear early in the year are a first source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects after winter. Birds also benefit from the fruits that mature in summer. Since Ribes sanguineum is one of the deciduous bushes, it offers additional leaves in autumn that promotes soil health and creates habitats for various soil organisms.

Due to its spread in Europe and North America, the plant has successfully integrated into domestic flora without developing invasive properties. It contributes to the promotion of biodiversity in natural gardens because it offers insects and birds food and shelter.

Use and care

Ribes sanguineum is mainly cultivated as an ornamental shrub and is known for its early, color -intensive flowers. The plant is relatively easy to care for and thrives both in the sun and in partial shade, whereby sunny locations promote a richer flower. The floor should be well permeable because the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. The flowering currant rarely needs a pruning unless the shrub becomes too big or too tight. In this case, a pruning can be carried out after the flowering period in late spring.

In landscape design, the flowering currant is often used in mixed hedges or as a solitaire plant. Your bright flowers in spring and the dense foliage in summer make you an attractive eye -catcher.