description Ribes rubrum Overview
Ribes rubrum, commonly called redcurrant, is a deciduous shrub in the gooseberry family that is native to parts of western Europe and widely cultivated in temperate regions. It bears strings of translucent red berries with a tart flavor, usually on older wood. The fruit is eaten fresh or processed into preserves, sauces, desserts, and beverages, while the compact shrub is grown in kitchen gardens and commercial fruit plantings. Cassis, however, is traditionally made from blackcurrants rather than redcurrants.
insights Ranking position
Ribes rubrum ranks #111 of 535 in the Shrub ranking, behind Enkianthus campanulatus, ahead of Lindera benzoin.
help Ribes rubrum FAQ
What is the common name for the Ribes rubrum shrub?
Ribes rubrum is most commonly known as the redcurrant. It is a widely cultivated deciduous shrub celebrated for its tart, vibrant red fruit.
What plant family does the Ribes rubrum belong to?
Ribes rubrum belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, which is commonly referred to as the gooseberry family. The plant is structurally related to other familiar fruiting shrubs like blackcurrants and gooseberries.
What do the berries of the redcurrant shrub taste like?
The shrub produces strings of beautiful, translucent red berries that are known for their highly tart and acidic flavor profile. Because of their sharp, sour taste, they are heavily used in making jams, jellies, and baked desserts rather than being eaten raw.
How should you prune a Ribes rubrum shrub to maximize fruit yield?
Redcurrant shrubs produce their best fruit primarily on older wood, specifically on two-and three-year-old stems. Therefore, gardeners should prune the bush to remove dead wood while preserving these mature, fruit-bearing canes.
explore Explore More
Similar to Ribes rubrum
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
