Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' – Ornamental Flowering Currant

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'

• Common Name: Flowering Currant

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub

• Height & Spread: Typically reaches 1.5–2 metres tall and 1.2–1.5 metres wide, forming a rounded, bushy shape.

• Foliage: Fresh green, lobed leaves with a slightly aromatic scent when crushed.

• Flowers: Striking, deep crimson-red clusters of flowers in early to mid-spring, often before many other plants start blooming. These long-lasting blooms attract pollinators and provide early garden colour.

• Fruit: Small, blue-black berries may follow in summer but are generally ornamental rather than edible.

• Garden Uses:

  • Adds vibrant spring colour to borders and mixed shrub plantings.

  • Works well as a stand-alone specimen shrub or in groups for impact.

  • Suitable for wildlife gardens—flowers attract bees and butterflies.

  • Can be used as a screening or informal hedge.

Planting Conditions and Best Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for the best flowering display.

  • Can tolerate partial shade but with slightly fewer blooms.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

  • Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay, as long as drainage is adequate.

  • Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils but tolerates mild alkalinity.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Regular watering in the first growing season helps establish strong roots.

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture during dry spells.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Plant in a sheltered spot away from strong winds to protect the delicate spring blossoms.

  • Works well at the back or middle of mixed borders.

  • Complements spring bulbs, perennials, and other flowering shrubs like forsythia or viburnum.

Care, Maintenance, and Seasonal Advice

• Watering:

  • Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment.

  • In prolonged dry periods, water deeply once a week.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to boost growth and flowering.

  • Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich soil and conserve moisture.

• Pruning:

  • Prune immediately after flowering (late spring) to maintain shape and encourage strong growth for the following year’s flowers.

  • Remove old, weak, or crossing stems to improve airflow and plant health.

  • Avoid pruning too late in the season, as this may reduce next year’s blooms.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally resistant to most pests.

  • Occasionally susceptible to powdery mildew in hot, dry summers—improve airflow and water at the base to minimise risk.

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in UK and Irish climates.

  • Withstands frost and cold winters without protection.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Flowers provide an early nectar source for pollinators, especially bees.

  • Berries may attract birds later in the season.

✨ Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' is a much-loved spring-flowering shrub that brings a burst of rich red blooms to the garden just as winter fades. Hardy, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners who want reliable seasonal colour with minimal effort.

• Size
  2L, square pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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