Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum)

Alpine Currant is a hardy, compact deciduous shrub well-suited for hedging and landscaping purposes. Native to Central and Northern Europe, this plant is appreciated for its dense, rounded form and adaptability to various conditions. It typically grows to a mature size of 3-6 feet in both height and spread, making it ideal for low-maintenance hedges, foundation plantings, or as a backdrop in mixed borders.

Alpine Currant has bright green, lobed leaves that turn a soft yellow in the fall, providing subtle seasonal interest. Although it produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring, they are not particularly ornamental. Female plants may bear small, red berries in the summer, but these are generally not considered edible. Alpine Currant is dioecious, meaning separate male and female plants are needed for fruit production.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably tolerant of various soil types, including poor or compacted soils. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew, making it an excellent choice for tough urban environments or areas with high deer populations.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 2
Mature Size: 3-6 ft tall and wide.