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Garden Currant

Ribes rubrum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Garden Currant (Ribes rubrum)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–60" H × 36"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

WI

Pollinators

bees

Garden currant is a compact deciduous shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring followed by edible red berries in summer. This well-behaved plant maintains a tidy rounded form and works well in partial shade areas where many other fruiting plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Garden Currant is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators during bloom time. Birds enjoy the small red berries in summer, making this a good dual-season wildlife plant.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Garden Currant fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.