Ribes sanguineum Pulborough Scarlet - Flowering Currant

Ribes sanguineum 'Pulborough Scarlet' is an established variety of flowering currant that still retains its ornamental appeal. This fairly vigorous bush forms a beautiful clump that is almost as wide as it is high, with upright branches dressed in lovely lobed leaves of a rich green. Early in spring, numerous clusters of red flowers with white hearts bloom beautifully, complementing the green of the foliage. The archetype of the beginner's plant, the flowering currant tolerates most soils, from moist to moderately dry, thriving in full sun or partial shade, and requires very little maintenance. It is perfect within a varied border, combining perennials and other bushes, or in a vibrant hedge.

Formerly classified among the Saxifragaceae, alongside the charming and colourful Heucheras or the generous Rodgersia, the genus Ribes is now the sole member of the Grossulariaceae family, comprising over 100 species. Ribes sanguineum is the most floriferous and widespread species in our gardens, since 1837, with the historical variety 'Atrorubens'. The wild plant grows in the United States, at altitudes between 600 and 1800 m, from northern California to British Columbia, amidst forests of Pines and Thujas.
'Pulborough Scarlet' is a cultivar with an upright habit, developed in 1933 in Pulborough, Sussex (England). Demonstrating great vigour, the bush commonly reaches 2.50 m in height, potentially even reaching 3 m in the absence of any pruning, with a width just slightly less. Its branches are distinctly upright, giving it a somewhat narrow habit at first, but this broadens over time with the regular production of new shoots. The stems have a lovely mahogany brown hue and bear alternate deciduous leaves, measuring 5 to 10 cm. A rich green on top, medium to dark, tomentose (covered in fine hairs) and lighter underneath, they are more or less heart-shaped and divided into 3 to 5 rounded, irregularly toothed lobes. The young hairy branches carry glands that exude an aromatic scent, reminiscent of the Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum).
From late March to May, depending on the climates and regions, clusters composed of twenty or more small flowers appear, each approximately 7 cm long. Forming in the axils of the leaves, along the branches and up to their tips, the clusters are gracefully arched and pendulous. Emerging more or less at the same time as the young leaves, they then blend into the foliage, creating a lovely symphony of colour. Composed of five red petals, the tubular corolla at its base is marked with white in its centre, creating a charming contrast with a romantic allure. The flowers bloom for several weeks, presenting a beautiful spectacle. In addition to being highly decorative, the flowering is honey-producing, which is an asset for diversity in the garden. The small black fruits that follow are consumed by birds, enhancing its utility for wildlife.

The Flowering Currant 'Pulborough Scarlet' is one of those plants that are impossible to overlook, allowing it to transcend ages and fashions. Although it is a horticultural variety, its appearance is natural enough to integrate well into both a rural setting and a small urban garden. Plant it in a varied border alongside other easy-to-grow classics, such as Forsythias, which are unparalleled in brightening the early days of spring with their luminous yellow and will kick off the flowering season. Deutzia crenata 'Pride of Rochester' will take over in the latter half of spring with its double pom-poms of immaculate white. At the feet of these second-tier shrubs, occupy the border with lower plants such as Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace', a shrubby cinquefoil 50 to 60 cm tall that will delight you with its simple orange-red flowers with yellow centres from June to September. Buddleja davidii 'Butterfly Candy Little White' will also be perfect in this spot, its large white spikes accompanying the flowering of the cinquefoil throughout the summer.