Overview
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson is a deciduous shrub that is native to western North America. It is commonly known as the Cascade currant or the Sierra currant and is a popular ornamental plant due to its showy spring blooms.
Appearance
The Cascade currant grows up to ten feet tall and wide, forming a spreading, multi-stemmed shrub. Its green, lobed leaves are small and oval-shaped, while its bark is gray-brown and slightly flaky. In the spring, the plant produces clusters of pink or reddish-pink flowers that hang in pendulous racemes. These are followed by edible, slightly tart berries that ripen to a dark blue-black color in late summer.
Uses
The Cascade currant is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, as its brilliant blooms make it a standout in the garden. The plant is also useful as a hedge or border shrub due to its dense growth habit and ability to tolerate pruning. Additionally, its fruit can be made into jams and jellies or used to attract birds and wildlife to the yard.
Furthermore, certain Native American tribes used the leaves of the Cascade currant to make a tea to treat colds and fevers. They also used the berries to make a poultice to treat sore eyes and sore throats. In addition, the Cascade currant was used for basket weaving, as its woody stems were pliable and strong.
Light Requirements
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum prefers full to partial sun exposure but can tolerate shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -10°F to 100°F (-23°C to 38°C). It is known to adapt well to various temperature conditions, making it suitable for growing in different regions.
Soil Requirements
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can thrive in sandy, loamy or clay soils, provided the soil is amended regularly to retain moisture. The plant also requires good aeration and nutrient-rich soil to support robust growth.
Cultivation Method
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson, also known as Rogue River pink currant, is a drought-tolerant, deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and it produces clusters of pink flowers in the early spring.
The ideal location for this plant is in a spot with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay, but it prefers a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. It is also recommended to plant this shrub in an area with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew from developing.
When planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and plant the shrub at the same depth as it was growing in its previous container. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it settle into its new environment.
Watering Needs
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson does not have high water requirements, but it does need consistent moisture to thrive. In the first year after planting, water the shrub deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Once the plant is established, it can be watered deeply every two to three weeks, again depending on the weather.
It is important not to overwater or underwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot or stress, respectively. A good way to check if the plant needs watering is to stick your finger two inches into the soil: if it feels dry, it's time to water.
Fertilization
The best time to fertilize Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson is in the early spring when the plant starts to show new growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, and apply it at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet of shrub canopy. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer or compost to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson does not require heavy pruning, but it does benefit from light maintenance pruning to shape the plant and promote healthy growth.
It is recommended to prune the shrub in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Remove dead or damaged branches, as well as any shoots that grow from the base of the plant. You can also prune back up to one-third of the oldest, non-productive branches to encourage new growth and flower production.
When pruning, use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a healthy bud or branch junction.
Propagation of Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum (Greene) Jepson, commonly known as Cascade Currant, is a deciduous flowering shrub that is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The plant typically grows up to 6-8 feet tall and wide, and features clusters of bright pinkish-red flowers that bloom in early spring.
Propagation methods
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum can be propagated by both vegetative and seed methods.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most common method used to propagate Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to produce a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
The best time to take stem cuttings is during the dormant period in the winter months. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, with at least 2-3 leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until they root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is another method used to propagate Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum. This method involves sowing seeds in a well-draining potting mix and provide them with a warm and moist environment to germinate.
The seeds can be collected from the fruit of the parent plant once it ripens in the summer months. Sow the seeds in a seeding tray or potting container filled with a moist seeding mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and place them in a warm location. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks, and once the seedlings reach a height of at least 3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum
There are a few common diseases that can affect Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum, but they can usually be managed with simple cultural practices or fungicides if necessary. Here are some of the most common diseases and how to manage them:
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white or gray substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can stunt growth and reduce flowering, but it rarely kills the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and dispose of any infected plant debris and maintain good air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide as a preventative measure.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spotting, twig blight, and defoliation. It usually appears during wet weather and can be managed by removing infected plant debris and practicing good sanitation around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also help control the disease.
Pest Management for Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. deductum is typically not bothered by many pests, but there are a few that can occasionally cause problems. Here are some of the most common pests and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off, releasing natural predators like ladybugs, or applying an insecticidal soap or oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves of the plant. They thrive in hot, dry weather and can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, releasing natural predators like ladybugs, or applying an insecticidal soap or oil.
