Ribes odoratum - Golden Currant

Ribes odoratum, also known as golden currant, fragrant currant, or clove currant, is a deciduous bush adorned with abundant spring flowering in pendulous clusters of yellow flowers, with a delicate but pronounced fragrance. It is followed by black, edible but tasteless fruit in summer. This hardy currant is suitable for creating hedges or being planted alone or in groups in flower beds.

Golden currant belongs to the family of Grossulariaceae and is native to North America. It will reach an average size of 2 m (6.6 ft) in all directions. This flowering currant is a dense deciduous bush with a bushy and rounded habit. The young pubescent shoots evolve into always inermous (without thorns) branches. In April-May, after the leaves have emerged, pendulous clusters of numerous small yellow flowers appear. This fragrant flowering is pronounced, hence the species name, odoratum. The flowers are followed in August by small dark red cylindrical fruits. The foliage develops early in spring. The dentate light green leaves measure 5 cm to 7 cm (2 in to 2.8 in) and turn reddish-purple in autumn.

Plant Ribes odoratum in ordinary, deep, even calcareous, rich, and moist soil. This bush thrives in partial shade or full sun. Pruning is not necessary, except to remove dead wood or correct a slightly sparse habit. After flowering, the branches should be pruned back by one-third of their size. At planting, do not hesitate to bury part of the collar to promote good rooting.