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Red flowering currant

Ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle'

RY-beez san-GWIN-ee-um

This is considered one of the best white flowering currants, bearing long-lasting, pendent racemes of pungently spicy, pure-white blooms. Its yellow autumn leaves fall to expose mahogany stems in winter, which later make a striking contrast to chartreuse flower buds in spring. It grows to about 10 feet high and wide.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsFragrant white flowers; yellow fall color; mahogany stems in winter.

CareGrow in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. After flowering, cut back shoots to strong buds, and remove one-third to one-fifth of old shoots at the base. 

PropagationTake hardwood cuttings in winter.

ProblemsRibes is a host for pine blister rust, and because of this there is a ban on them in some states. Caterpillars, aphids, scale, dieback, downy mildew, anthracnose, rust, powdery mildew, white heart rot, Septoria leaf spot.

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  • Genus : Ribes
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Self Seeds, Showy Fruit
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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