Ribes altissimum

Family: Grossulariaceae

What it is like

Ribes altissimum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Taluses composed of large stones in the forest zone, often into the bald mountain zone. Coniferous or mixed forests and forest margins on mountain slopes below 2000 metres in N. China.

E. Asia - N. China, Mongolia, Siberia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. Small with a thick skin and a pleasant acid taste. The fruit is abundantly produced in the wild. The purplish-black fruit is about 7mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Does well in shade though does not fruit so well in such a position. Hardy to about -20°c. Plants can harbour a stage of white pine blister rust, so should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. This plant is possibly useful as part of a breeding programme for red currants.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at 0 - 9°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions the seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring of the following year Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. petraeum altissimum. (Turcz.)Jancz.