Overview
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum (Benth.) Loud. is a flowering shrub native to western North America. It is known for its vibrant pink flowers that bloom in the early spring.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Pink Winter Currant or Sticky Currant due to its sticky, glandular hairs on the stems and leaves.
Appearance
The Pink Winter Currant can grow up to 9 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a bluish-green color, with a slightly sticky texture due to the glandular hairs. The flowers are produced in clusters at the end of the branches and have a bright pink color. The fruits are small, black berries that are not typically used for culinary purposes.
Uses
The Pink Winter Currant is often grown for its ornamental value due to its attractive flowers. It is also known to be a good plant for wildlife, attracting hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects. The plant has historically been used in Native American medicine for a variety of ailments, such as reducing fever and relieving coughs.
Light Requirements
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum thrives under full sun to partial shade. If the plant is grown in an area with too much shade, flowering will be limited, and the plant will become leggy and weak. On the other hand, exposing the plant to too much sun can cause the leaves to turn brown and even scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool to mild temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as -12°C and as high as 32°C. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8 and can survive in areas with high humidity and fog.
Soil Requirements
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum requires well-drained soils that can retain moisture. The ideal soil pH is neutral to slightly acidic (6.8 to 7.2). The plant can tolerate some soil salt and can grow in sandy to loamy soils with a depth of at least 1 meter. It is important to note that the plant's root system can easily become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. So, it's essential to amend heavy soils with compost and provide proper drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum (Benth.) Loud. is a deciduous shrub that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. You can propagate it using softwood cuttings in the summer or hardwood cuttings in the winter. This plant loves sunlight, and you should plant it in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. It prefers well-draining soil that has a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
Young Ribes sanguineum plants need regular watering until they are well-established. You should water them deeply at least once a week and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once the plant is established, you can reduce the frequency of watering. However, you must ensure that the soil is not completely dry.
Fertilization
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum (Benth.) Loud. is not a heavy feeder, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring. You can also fertilize it after the first bloom to encourage a second bloom. Always water the plant thoroughly after fertilization to allow the nutrients to penetrate the roots.
Pruning
You should prune Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum (Benth.) Loud. after the flowers have faded. You can remove up to a third of the oldest branches each year. Cut the stems down to the ground level or to a new shoot or bud. This promotes healthy growth and ensures that the plant remains vigorous. Additionally, prune any diseased, damaged, or dead branches as soon as you notice them.
Propagation of Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum (Benth.) Loud.
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum (Benth.) Loud., also known as red flowering currant, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Seed Propagation:
Red flowering currant plants produce viable seeds that can be collected and sown. The best time to collect seeds is in the fall when they are fully mature. Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dry area until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist paper towel and then storing them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a potting mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Vegetative Propagation:
Red flowering currant can also be propagated asexually using softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the early summer when the new growth is still pliable. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant.
To prepare the cuttings, remove any flowers or fruit and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. After several weeks, the cuttings should begin to root and can be transplanted to larger containers or directly in the ground.
Disease Management for Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum
Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum, commonly known as red-flowering currant, is a deciduous shrub native to western North America. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth, development, and overall health. Below are some common diseases that might affect red-flowering currant and ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular areas of dead tissue on leaves. It is most common in wet conditions and can spread quickly from infected leaves to healthy ones. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove and destroy all infected leaves as soon as possible. Application of copper-based fungicides may also be useful in preventing the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. It thrives in warm and humid conditions and can weaken the plant over time. To manage powdery mildew, it is necessary to remove all affected plant parts as soon as possible. In addition, spraying the plant with a mixture of baking soda and water (1 tablespoon of baking soda per gallon of water) can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Ribes sanguineum Pursh var. glutinosum
Red-flowering currant is also vulnerable to various insect pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that might affect red-flowering currant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to curl and distort. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other insects and cause mold growth on the plant. To manage aphids, it is necessary to remove them manually by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water. Alternatively, introducing natural predators of aphids (such as ladybugs or lacewings) can help control the infestation.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that also feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to turn yellow and brown and eventually fall off. They are very small and difficult to spot, and infestations can spread quickly if left unchecked. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and water (2 tablespoons of neem oil per gallon of water) or insecticidal soap. It is essential to thoroughly cover all the plant parts, including the undersides of leaves.
