Twisp River Red Currant (Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum ‘Twisp River’) - Zone 3/4

Twisp River is a selection of red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum) from the Twisp River region of Washington. It is known for heavy clusters of deep red spring blooms, with long decorative racemes that have made red flowering currant popular in Europe.

Shrubs can reach 6-10 ft tall with a rounded shape and aromatic lobed leaves. The flowers provide early nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators. Small blue black berries form later in the season and are usually eaten by birds. Twisp River grows best in sun to part shade with well drained soil.

This species is often described around Zone 4 or Zone 5 hardiness and is rarely found in prairie gardens, so Oak Summit is evaluating it locally. We found Twisp River came through a cold Zone 3 winter and -40 C in good shape. In Zone 3, plant in a sheltered location and mulch well in fall as a precaution.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Mature Size: 6-10 ft tall