Description

Bring spring interest to your garden with Ribes odoratum. Ribes odoratum is a deciduous shrub grown for clusters of scented spring flowers, loved by early pollinators. Part of our ribes (flowering currant) range, it arrives from our St Annes nursery well rooted and ready to go into your garden.

Ribes are easy, hardy shrubs that flower in spring, when their blooms provide valuable early nectar for bees. They are quick to establish and thrive in most gardens.

Key features of Ribes odoratum

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub
• Season of interest: Spring
• Height and spread: 1.5–2.5m (varies with site and pruning)
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Any well-drained soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: wildlife gardens, informal hedging, early nectar, spring colour

Where to plant Ribes odoratum

Ribes odoratum grows best in sun or part shade, in any well-drained soil. It is a good choice for wildlife gardens, and also works well for informal hedging, early nectar and spring colour. Pair with forsythia, spring bulbs and hellebores.

How to plant Ribes odoratum

Water the plant well in its pot an hour before planting. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, loosen the soil at the base, and mix in some garden compost. Set the plant at the same level it sat in the pot, backfill, firm gently and water in thoroughly.

How to care for Ribes odoratum

Water during the first summer. Mulch in spring; feeding is rarely needed. Prune after flowering by cutting out some old stems. Prune straight after flowering, removing a few of the oldest stems to the base to encourage new growth. Generally trouble-free; healthy plants in the right spot rarely suffer problems.

Growing Ribes odoratum in a pot

Can be grown in a large pot for a few years. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, make sure the pot has drainage holes, and water regularly in summer, as containers dry out faster than borders.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

Our plants are nursery-grown at St Annes in North West England, raised outdoors and in tunnels in real UK weather rather than a hothouse, so they arrive healthy, acclimatised and well rooted. This Ribes odoratum is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Ribes odoratum grow?
Ribes odoratum typically reaches 1.5–2.5m (varies with site and pruning), depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Ribes odoratum look its best?
Its main season of interest is spring.

Is Ribes odoratum hardy?
Fully hardy.

How do I prune Ribes odoratum?
Prune straight after flowering, removing a few of the oldest stems to the base to encourage new growth.

Is Ribes odoratum good for bees?
Yes. Its spring flowers are an early source of nectar for bees.

When should I prune Ribes odoratum?
Prune immediately after flowering, cutting out some of the oldest stems.

Add Ribes odoratum to your basket today and enjoy spring interest in your garden.