Red currant (Ribes rubrum 'Red Lake')

Overview

Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ is principally cultivated for its high-quality fruit production, offering gardeners a reliable source of tart red currants. This compact, mounding, deciduous shrub establishes quickly, reaching 3 to 5 feet in height and spread, making it manageable for smaller gardens or hedgerows. Gardeners value the long, pendant clusters of bright red fruits that ripen in mid-summer, perfect raw or for preserving.

As a variety of Red currant, Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ thrives best when situated where it receives full sun to partial afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, provided its soil moisture remains consistent. While the spring flowers are greenish-yellow and not highly ornamental, they successfully transition into the showy, edible fruit that defines this plant’s appeal. Proper pruning and siting are key to maximizing the yield of this productive shrub.

Beyond the kitchen, the shrub offers moderate landscape structure, fitting well into functional fruit or vegetable gardens or serving as an attractive, formal hedge. Understanding its moderate cultivation needs ensures a healthy plant capable of producing abundant, flavorful red currants year after year.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Grossulariaceae
• Plant Type: Fruit
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-5 ft
  • Spread: 3-5 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Greenish-yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The optimal planting time for Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ is during the dormant season, especially when purchasing plants bare root from nurseries. Ensure you prepare a location that offers organically rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. Full sun is preferred, but in very hot climates, site the shrub to receive some part afternoon shade to prevent stress. Protection from harsh winter winds and frost pockets is also beneficial for long-term establishment.

Watering should be consistent, aiming to maintain even soil moisture, particularly during dry spells; however, it is crucial to avoid overhead watering which can encourage fungal issues. Providing a good organic mulch around the root zone helps conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Plants are self-fertile, simplifying cross-pollination requirements.

Pruning for Red currant is essential for continued productivity. Perform pruning during the dormant season, focusing on removing stems older than three years. This encourages vigorous new growth that is more fruitful. Be patient, as Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ may require 4-5 years to fully establish and begin yielding its maximum crop potential.

Landscape Uses

The recommended uses for Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ span both culinary and aesthetic applications. While primarily grown for its edible fruit, it doubles effectively as an ornamental edge piece, particularly when utilized to form an attractive, well-maintained hedge. Plant spacing should be approximately 3 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and mature size.

For gardeners focused on edibles, integrating the Red currant into a dedicated fruit or vegetable garden plot allows for easy harvesting and maintenance. If used ornamentally near seating areas, ensure placement takes into account the potential need for late-season harvesting or protection from browsing wildlife. Their mounding habit makes them suitable for informal borders that transition between lawn and taller plantings.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Ribes rubrum, commonly called red currant, is grown primarily for its fruit, though the genus name Ribes has historical derivations linked to acidic flavors found in unrelated rhubarb species. ‘Red Lake’ is specifically valued for fruit production, yielding long pendant clusters of bright red currants ready in July. These currants, despite their tartness, are excellent for culinary use like jams and jellies, though they can also be eaten ripe directly from the shrub.

Tolerances

• Rabbit

Potential Problems

The primary challenges affecting Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ relate to fungal diseases, especially in wet or humid conditions. Be vigilant for anthracnose, powdery mildew, and fungal leaf spot, which can disfigure foliage and reduce vigor. To help mitigate these, ensure excellent air circulation through proper spacing and avoid overhead watering.

Insect pests, including the currant aphid, scale insects, currant bud mites, and currant fruit fly, may require targeted application of appropriate controls if infestation levels become problematic. A significant concern across federal and state jurisdictions is the role currants play as an alternate host for white pine blister rust. Gardeners must verify local regulations, as ten eastern states currently restrict or ban Ribes species planting. If white pines are present nearby, consult local Extension services regarding rust-resistant cultivars or consider alternative planting locations away from white pines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ suitable for?

Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ is robust enough to thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.

How large does Red currant grow?

This compact shrub typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 5 feet, with a corresponding spread of 3 to 5 feet.

What sun exposure does Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ need?

This plant performs best when situated in full sun to partial shade conditions; afternoon shade is beneficial in the hottest summer climates.

When does Red currant bloom?

The greenish-yellow flowers of the Red currant appear relatively early, typically blooming from April to May.

Conclusion

The Red currant variety, Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’, offers gardeners a rewarding harvest of tart, ornamental fruit alongside modest structural appeal for hedges or borders. Its hardiness across zones 3 to 7 makes it widely adaptable, provided cultural needs for moisture and pruning are met. Before planting, confirm that local agricultural regulations permit growing Ribes species in your precise area, especially concerning the White Pine Blister Rust risk.

Companion Planting

When integrating Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ into the landscape, selecting appropriate companions can enhance health and optimize space. Because this shrub appreciates rich, well-drained soil and mulch, consider pairing it with other medium-maintenance edibles that share similar cultural needs, such as rhubarb or perennial herbs like chives or mint (ensure mint is contained). Avoid spacing it too closely to large trees that might heavily shade the lower canopy or aggressively compete for water resources.

In rows dedicated to fruit production, companion planting susceptible crops together minimizes monitoring effort. If pest concerns arise, companion planting aromatic herbs nearby, such as calendula or marigolds, can sometimes naturally deter certain insect pressures, though vigilant monitoring remains the primary defense for your crop of red currants.

Design Ideas for Hedgerows

The 3- to 5-foot stature and attractive mounding nature of Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ make it an excellent candidate for formal or informal hedgerows. Plant them spaced 3 feet apart to create a dense screen or border that provides privacy and a seasonal fruit crop. In formal settings, consistent dormant pruning is essential to maintain crisp lines suitable for dividing garden rooms or lining walkways.

For a more naturalistic edible border, allow the Red currant shrubs to maintain a slightly looser habit, letting the pendant fruit clusters hang freely. Use low-growing, spreading groundcovers at the base to suppress weeds and maintain the cool, moist soil conditions this shrub prefers, taking care not to smother the root zone mulch layer. This approach maximizes the visual appeal of the showy berries ripening in July.