Shrub · Grossulariaceae family
redcurrant
Ribes rubrum
In short a 10-second read
Redcurrant (shrub) grows to 0.9–1.5 m tall and 0.9–1.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. It flowers in April–May; the flowers are green or yellow. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 0.9–1.5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April–May · green or yellow
Pruning
formative pruning (February–March)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does redcurrant flower?
In April–May; the flowers are green or yellow.
Does redcurrant tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does redcurrant need?
At maturity 0.9–1.5 m wide and 0.9–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 90 cm.
Does redcurrant survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (14)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Ribes rubrum 'Champagne Pink'
- University of Minnesota Extension — Growing currants and gooseberries in the home garden
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Ribes rubrum
- Wikidata (CC0) — Ribes rubrum
- RHS - Redcurrants: pruning and training
- RHS - How to grow redcurrants
- Penn State Extension - Gooseberries and currants
- RHS - Ribes rubrum
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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