Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII, commonly called the King Edward VII flowering currant, is a gorgeous deciduous shrub prized for its vibrant spring blooms. In this article, we’ll discuss why this currant variety is so popular and share tips for incorporating it into your landscape.
Overview of Ribes Sanguineum King Edward VII
Ribes sanguineum is a species of currant native to the west coast of North America The King Edward VII cultivar was likely bred in the early 1900s and named for the British king,
This selection is prized for its intensely saturated pinkish-red blooms borne in pendulous clusters The tubular flowers dangle gracefully from the branches in early spring, providing a spectacular floral display when little else is in bloom
Mature shrubs reach 5-7 feet tall and wide with an upright but arching form. The five-lobed leaves emerge light green in spring before transitioning to rich green in summer. In fall, the foliage takes on lovely shades of gold and amber.
After the vibrant spring flowers fade, small edible berries develop which ripen to a dark bluish-black in mid summer. Songbirds flock to the vitamin-rich currants.
Beyond the visual appeal, King Edward VII currant offers multi-season interest, attracts pollinators and birds, and requires little care once established. Let’s look at why this variety makes an exceptional addition to gardens and landscapes.
Key Features and Benefits
Here are some of the standout qualities that make Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII so popular
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Vibrant spring blooms – The saturated pinkish-red flowers provide a blast of color as the landscape awakens. Few flowering shrubs can match this intensity.
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Wildlife value – Flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators while the berries are relished by songbirds. An excellent choice for wildlife habitats.
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Multi-season appeal – Flowers in spring, blue-black currants in summer, and golden fall foliage provide year-round ornamental value.
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Compact form – A bit more compact than the species, reaching just 5-7 feet high and wide. Perfect for smaller gardens.
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Low maintenance – Requires little pruning or upkeep once established. Tolerates heat, drought, and various soil types.
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Hedges and borders – The arching branches and dense growth make a nice informal hedge or border specimen.
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Hardiness – Thrives in USDA zones 6-9. Handles cold winters and warm summers.
With its stellar floral display, compact size, and versatility, it’s easy to see why this currant variety is so prized for gardens. The vibrant blooms will make a statement in any spring landscape.
How to Grow Ribes Sanguineum King Edward VII
Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII is relatively carefree once established but provides the best performance when sited properly and cared for correctly:
Light Needs: Provide full sun to light afternoon shade. At least 4-6 hours of direct sun is ideal for heaviest flowering.
Soil: Grow in moist, well-draining soil. Average garden soils are fine but avoid soggy conditions.
Planting: Space 5-6 feet apart for informal hedges, 4 feet for borders. Dig a hole 2-3 times as wide and deep, place shrub in hole, backfill and water.
Watering: Water regularly until established, then can tolerate some drought. Requires occasional watering in dry periods.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before bud break. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering while still small to promote dense growth. For hedges, trim to shape after bloom period.
Maintenance: Watch for aphids and currant borers if stressed. Propagate by summer stem cuttings. Mulch to conserve moisture.
Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 6-9. Performs well across most of the continental U.S.
With basic care focused on proper planting, watering, and fertilizing, you’ll enjoy this colorful flowering currant for years to come. It’s one of the easiest currant varieties to grow.
How to Use Ribes Sanguineum King Edward VII in Landscape Designs
Thanks to its vibrant blooms and compact size, Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII lends itself to several landscape uses:
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As a specimen shrub or focal point planted against a dark backdrop like evergreens
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Planted in groupings of three or more for a colorful spring flowering hedge or screen
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Along a woodland garden’s edge to add a pop of color as flowering landscapes awaken
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In mixed borders and beds with other spring bloomers like tulips, irises, and bleeding hearts
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As part of a native plant garden or pollinator-friendly habitat
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In island beds and traffic medians for vivid color visible from a distance
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Contained in patio pots or other garden containers
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Along a property border or foundation planting for multi-season curb appeal
With its vibrant crimson blooms and modest size, this currant variety works well in borders, hedges, specimen plantings, native gardens, wildlife habitats, containers, and more. It’s an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes in USDA zones 6-9.
Why Ribes Sanguineum King Edward VII is an Outstanding Choice
For gardens seeking compelling spring color that requires minimal care, Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII is a standout choice. Here’s why it’s one of the best flowering currants on the market:
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Prolific clusters of rich pinkish-red blooms provide a spectacular floral display in early spring.
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The compact form fits beautifully into borders and small landscape spaces.
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Five-lobed foliage provides multi-season interest in hues of green, gold, and amber.
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Currants offer summer and fall food sources for songbirds and other wildlife.
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Easy care once established and not picky about soil type or pH. Withstands heat and occasional drought.
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Hardy and resilient. Thrives across a wide range of climates and conditions.
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Can be maintained as an informal flowering hedge with light pruning.
For gardens seeking hassle-free beauty, Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII is a flowering currant that should be at the top of the list. Allow it to showcase its vibrant pendulous blooms, then sit back and enjoy the lush foliage and easy care. It’s a great value that delivers outstanding beauty.
Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ Red Flowering Currant
A cultivar of the native Ribes sanguineum, King Edward VII was selected for its deep, pinkish-red flowers in spring and blue-black berries in summer. Drought tolerant once established, this deciduous shrub is a staple in the Northwest woodland garden.
Tough and durable, flowering currant tolerates sand or clay as long as the soil is well-drained. Once established it is drought tolerant, but it will appreciate occasional watering during dry weather. The best bloom is in full sun, but it will still have plenty of flowers in light or open shade. Very little pruning is required to maintain the loose upright habit. If a branch strays too much out of bounds it can be removed. Plants will often sucker to form a small patch.
(Source: Great Plant Picks)
Favourite Spring Flowering Shrubs | What to Grow for Spring Colour & Interest | Deciduous Shrubs
FAQ
How big do Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII get?
Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’
A northwestern U.S. native selection. Deciduous. WATER: Keep soil moist, but not soggy. SIZE: Slow growing; reaches 3 to 6 ft.
How big does Ribes sanguineum get?
Red Flowering Currant is a medium-sized, deciduous, and multi-stemmed shrub in the Grossulariaceae or currant family that is grown primarily for its early showy spring flowers. It has an upright, arching, rounded habit, and is 5 to 12 feet tall and equally as wide.
Is Ribes sanguineum poisonous?
Ribes ‘Brocklebankii’ has no toxic effects reported.
Are King Edward Currants edible?
Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII is a flowering shrub that stands out for its spectacular spring bloom. Its clusters of tubular flowers, of a brilliant pink red, attract the glances and the pollinators from March to May. They are followed by edible but not very tasty fruits that look like gooseberries.