Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII': A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden
Introduction
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' is a spectacular flowering currant that brightens gardens in early spring with its showy clusters of deep red blooms. This hardy shrub has garnered a loyal following among gardeners for its stunning floral display, resilience, and adaptability to a range of growing conditions. In this article, we delve into this plant's origin, characteristics, and uses and explore the key attributes that make Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' a desirable addition to your landscape.
Growth Habit
Shape, Height, and Width
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' grows as a rounded, upright shrub with a graceful arching habit. It typically reaches a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) and spreads to about 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) in width. This shape allows it to be used effectively as a hedge, specimen, or mixed border plant, bringing vertical interest to gardens of all sizes. The branches of this shrub develop an arch-like formation as they mature, giving it a loose, informal look that works particularly well in naturalistic and cottage-style gardens.
Foliage
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' is a deciduous shrub which sheds its leaves in the fall. While the shrub may go dormant during winter, its bare branches set the stage for its early spring blossoms, creating a delightful seasonal transformation.
Arrangement, Type, Color, and Size
The leaves are arranged alternately on the stems and have a distinctive palmate shape, much like a maple leaf, with 3 to 5 lobes. The leaves are medium to dark green in color and measure about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) across. The foliage has a soft, slightly downy texture, giving the plant a touchable, velvety appearance. As temperatures drop in the fall, the leaves can turn shades of yellow before falling off, adding an extra seasonal color element.
Flowers, Seeds, and Fruits
Flowers
The most striking feature of Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' is its vibrant flower clusters. In early to mid-spring, dense racemes of deep red, tubular flowers appear, each cluster measuring about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. The blooms are lightly fragrant, adding an olfactory dimension to their visual appeal, and they serve as an essential source of nectar for pollinators, particularly hummingbirds and bees. Flowering begins as early as March in some climates, bringing much-needed color to gardens emerging from winter.
Seeds and Fruits
In late summer, small blue-black berries develop following the flowers. These berries are round, approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter, and though they are not considered primarily ornamental, they provide an essential food source for birds and other wildlife. While the fruits are technically edible, they are often described as tasteless and are not typically used in culinary applications.
Native Range
Ribes sanguineum is native to the western regions of North America, mainly from Northern California through Oregon and into British Columbia, Canada. This plant naturally occurs in woodlands, along forest edges, and rocky slopes, often favoring areas that balance sun and partial shade. This variety, named after King Edward VII (King of Great Britain, 1901-10), features pinkish-red flowers and is more compact than the type, growing to about 7 × 7 ft (2.1 × 2.1 m). It was the first garden cultivar of the species developed in Europe and received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Merit in 1904. [Reference: Royal Horticultural Society. "Award of Merit Details." RHS.org.uk.]
Archibald Menzies is regarded as the first European to discover Ribes sanguineum in 1793 during his voyage with Capt. George Vancouver. However, David Douglas, the famous Scottish plant explorer, introduced it into British commerce. He found Ribes sanguineum growing near Fort Vancouver soon after his arrival in the spring of 1825. Douglas sent seeds back to England, and the new plants flowered in 1828, just a little over two years later. The employer of Douglas, the Horticultural Society, considered this new red flowering acquisition to be sufficient justification for the cost of his entire three-year expedition, which was approximately £400 (Coats, 1992). [Reference: Coats, A. M. (1992). "The Plant Hunters: The Adventures of the World's Greatest Botanical Explorers." Timber Press.] The cultivated variety 'King Edward VII' was introduced by nurseryman James Veitch & Sons in 1904 for its incredibly vivid flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' is well adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. This means it can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C), making it suitable for various climates. It is prevalent in areas with mild to moderate winters and cool summers, such as the Pacific Northwest, where it thrives.
Sun Exposure
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. It performs well in full sun in cooler climates, while some afternoon shade is beneficial in areas with hot summer conditions to prevent leaf scorch. The versatility of sun exposure makes this shrub suitable for various garden locations, whether in a mixed border or as a stand-alone feature.
Landscape Use
Versatility in the Garden
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' is a highly versatile shrub that works well in various landscape situations. It can be used as:
Specimen Plant: Its striking early blooms make it a standout when planted as a focal point in the garden.
Hedge or Screen: Its dense arching habit suits an informal hedge or privacy screen.
Mixed Border: Combined with other shrubs and perennials, this plant adds vertical structure, color, and wildlife interest to mixed borders.
Wildlife Gardens: This plant is an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens due to its value to pollinators and birds.
The red flowers in early spring can be paired with bulbs such as daffodils and tulips or other early bloomers like forsythia to create a tapestry of color that signals the arrival of spring. Its loose form also makes it suitable for naturalized or woodland settings, where it can blend seamlessly with other native plants.
Disease and Pest Resistance
One of Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' 's many attributes is its resilience to pests and diseases. It is notably resistant to deer browsing, which can be advantageous in areas with large deer populations. However, it is susceptible to powdery mildew, particularly in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation. Ensuring good spacing and pruning out overcrowded branches can help mitigate mildew issues.
A potential concern for gardeners in some areas is the plant's role as an alternate host for white pine blister rust ("Cronartium ribicola"), which affects white pine trees. In areas where this disease is a significant issue, cultivation of Ribes species may be restricted. Otherwise, this low-maintenance shrub requires little pest or disease management.
Conclusion
Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' is a beautiful and resilient flowering shrub that brings early-season color and wildlife interest to the garden. With its showy clusters of deep red blooms, easy-care nature, and adaptability to different growing conditions, it is well-suited to various landscape uses—from hedges to specimen plantings. If you are looking for a versatile shrub that provides early spring interest while supporting pollinators and wildlife, Ribes sanguineum' King Edward VII' deserves your consideration.
For more information on native plants suitable for your region, consider visiting Wildflower.org or PlantNative.org.