Native Plant of the Month: Pink-flowering Currant

Pink-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum) is a fun and adaptable native plant that changes throughout the seasons. This upright, multi-branched shrub typically grows about six feet tall. In the winter, its chandeliers of pale-pink to rose-purple flowers offer nectar for hummingbirds and bees. In the summer, clusters of bluish to purplish berries dangle from its stems (these berries are edible, though uncooked fruits have an astringent aftertaste). Its maple-shaped leaves are covered in aromatic oils, releasing a light fragrance when you brush up against them.

Growing Pink-flowering Currant at Home

Pink-flowering currants are easy to cultivate in the garden. They grow quickly and can tolerate part shade to full shade in a variety of soils. Though they are drought resistant, they may drop their leaves if exposed to excess summer heat. Give them occasional water (every other week) to keep them green through the dry season.

Plant pink-flowering currants in masses for a colorful, informal hedge when in bloom. You can also install them as specimen or foundation shrubs. They handle fall pruning well and can be aesthetically shaped to highlight their branching structure.

Summer berries on pink-flowering currant

These shrubs are great for woodland gardens. They grow well with other oak understory shrubs like toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), coffeeberry (Frangula californica), and oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor). You can also combine them with perennials and groundcovers such as Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana), alumroot (Heuchera micrantha), yerba buena (Clinopodium douglasii), and woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca).

Where to Find Pink-flowering Currant

Pink-flowering currant grows throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains in woodland habitats near creek corridors. Grassroots Ecology staff and volunteers have also planted them in our restoration areas, such as at Redwood Grove Nature Preserve in Los Altos and El Palo Alto Park in Palo Alto. Our nursery grows pink-flowering currant and other native plants using seeds and cuttings carefully sourced from local watersheds. Check out our latest inventory for online sales here: