Ribes san. King Edward VII

Ribes san. King Edward VII

Why Buy Me?

• Attractive to wildlife
• Upright and compact
• Ornamental fruit

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Best flowering and foliage colour occur in full sun. Can tolerate light shade but may reduce the density of blooms.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Prefers fertile, humus-rich conditions. Tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay and loam, as long as drainage is adequate.

Exposure:
Hardy and generally unfussy. Benefits from a somewhat sheltered position to protect early flower buds from hard frosts and to prolong flowering.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods, though consistent moisture during the growing season improves performance.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in autumn or early spring while the soil is moist and workable.

Spacing:
Allow 150–200 cm (5–6.5 feet) between plants to accommodate mature spread and encourage airflow.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply during dry spells in the first year. Fertilize in early spring with a general-purpose shrub fertilizer to support flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply mulch annually in spring using compost or leaf mould. Prune lightly after flowering—remove spent flower heads, dead or overcrowded branches, and shape as desired.

Propagation:
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in late autumn or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Easy to root with minimal intervention.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Masses of deep crimson to dark red flowers appear in drooping clusters (racemes) from March to April, often before the leaves fully emerge. A standout early-flowering shrub.

Summer:
Bright green, lobed foliage creates a lush backdrop through summer. Occasional small, inedible black berries may form.

Autumn:
Leaves turn yellow before dropping. Provides seasonal transition interest.

Winter:
Deciduous. Bare stems offer winter structure and visual contrast in borders or hedgerows.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Early blooms are a valuable nectar source for bees and pollinators. Dense branches can provide nesting cover for small birds.

Garden Use:
Perfect for mixed borders, informal hedging, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style plantings. Works well in both urban and rural settings. Suitable as a stand-alone specimen or in shrub groupings.

Companion Plants:
Pairs nicely with other spring bloomers like Forsythia, Spiraea, Corylopsis, and spring bulbs (Narcissus, Muscari). Also complements native-friendly plantings with Cornus, Mahonia, and Pulmonaria

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Ribes san. King Edward VII .It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.