RIBES ODORATUM

Ribes Odoratum

£15.99

4 in stock

SKU: ribes-odoratum Category:
Common Name: Buffalo Currant
Size: 2-3 Litre
Hardiness: H5
Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees ˚C) are shown in brackets

  • H1a: under glass all year (>15˚C)
  • H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15 ˚C)
  • H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10 ˚C)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5 ˚C)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1 ˚C)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5 ˚C)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10 ˚C)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15 ˚C)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20 ˚C)
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2-3 Litre Pot

  • Position: Full sun
  • Soil: Moist, well drained
  • Growth Rate: Average
  • Flowering Period:  Spring
  • Hardiness: H5
  • Eventual Height:  1.5 – 2.5m
  • Eventual Spread: 1.5 – 2.5m

Ribes Odoratum, commonly known as the ‘Buffalo Currant’, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, celebrated for its striking appearance and aromatic qualities. This versatile plant is often valued in gardens for its vibrant flowers and ornamental appeal.

This variety typically reaches a height of 2.5 metres with a similar spread, forming a dense, rounded shrub. Its leaves are deeply lobed and dark green, providing a rich backdrop throughout the growing season. In the Autumn, the foliage transitions to shades of yellow or red, adding seasonal colour.

In Spring, it produces clusters of small, tubular, golden-yellow flowers. These blooms are not only visually striking but also emit a distinctive clove-like fragrance, which adds a delightful sensory element to the garden. The aromatic flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Following the flowering period, the shrub bears small, sometimes edible berries that ripen to a dark purple or black hue. These berries have a tart flavour and can be used in various culinary applications, such as jams, jellies, and pies. The fruit also serves as a food source for birds, enhancing the shrub’s value in wildlife gardens.

This Ribes is ideal for ornamental gardens, mixed shrub borders, or as a standalone specimen. Its fragrant flowers and attractive berries make it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens, attracting pollinators and birds. The plant’s seasonal changes in foliage colour and its pleasing aroma enhance its appeal throughout the year.

In summary, Ribes Odoratum is a charming shrub that combines visual beauty with sensory interest, making it a versatile and rewarding choice for a variety of garden settings.

How to care for your Ribes Odoratum

  • Soil: Prefers well-draining soil, but can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
  • Water: The shrub should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
  • Sun: Prefers full sun to partial shade, but can tolerate full shade.
  • Pruning: The shrub can be pruned in late Winter or early Spring to maintain its size and shape. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
  • Fertiliser: It does not typically require fertiliser. However, if the plant is not growing well, a balanced fertiliser can be applied in early Spring.
  • Propagation: It can be propagated by taking cuttings in the Summer.

In summary, this is a low-maintenance shrub that can thrive in a variety of conditions and with proper care can flourish for years to come.