Ribes aureum - Inland Valley Garden Planner

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Description

The golden currant is a medium to large size deciduous shrub, developing both upright and arching branches, 6-10 ft. tall, 5-7 ft. wide. Thin light green leaves grow 1-2 in. wide and have 3 major lobes. Bright golden-yellow flowers hang in small clusters in early spring; colorful yellow to orange and black berries mature in late spring to early summer and attract birds.

Golden currant is a very widespread species native to several western states and British Columbia where it grows in many habitats and climate zones. It is a colorful flowering accent plants that is often used with other California natives to achieve habitat and wildlife gardens. It is adapted to many types of soil, sun to partial shade, and with low amounts of summer water. It is well suited for growing on banks and in background areas.

Water Needs

The golden currant is native to many parts of the Inland Empire. In ornamental gardens it grows well with normal winter rainfall and periodic summer water. The chart below provides a baseline irrigation schedule for this species. It should be noted there are several winter months marked by an asterisk (*) when rains can provide sufficient moisture and irrigation is not needed. The high and low range of moisture indicates it can grow with varying amounts of water; higher amounts of water within this range will result in stronger springtime flowering performance and summer foliage character.

Irrigation Schedule and Graph

Low Water Use Plants

Irrigation Schedule 2

	Jan*	Feb*	Mar*	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov*	Dec*
Runs per Month	0x to 2x	0x to 2x	0x to 2x	1x to 2x	1x to 2x	1x to 2x	1x to 2x	1x to 2x	1x to 2x	1x to 2x	0x to 2x	0x to 2x
Inches per Run	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"

Inches per Month	0" to 2"	0" to 2"	0" to 2"	1" to 2"	1" to 2"	1" to 2"	1" to 2"	1" to 2"	1" to 2"	1" to 2"	0" to 2"	0" to 2"

Range of supplemental summer water: 7"-14"
Range of supplemental winter water: 0"-10"

0"-2"

1"-2"

0"-2"

Jan*

Feb*

Mar*

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov*

Dec*

For more information on how to use this Irrigation Schedule and Graph, click here.

Plant Properties

Plant Type: Shrub, Native
Foliage Character: Winter deciduous, Drought deciduous
Habit: Upright, Mounding, Arching
Growth Rate: Moderate
Height: 6 ft. - 10 ft.
Width: 5 ft. - 7 ft.
Water Needs: Low 2
Foliage Color: Light green
Flower Color: Yellow
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Loam
Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Heat, Frost, Fog, Drought, Cold hardy, All day sun
Function: Wildlife value, Specimen, Screening, Residential spaces, Raised planters, Parks and open space, Hummingbird plant, Foundations, Flowering accent plant, Espalier, Banks, Background plant, Attracts butterflies

Maintenance

Thin branches as needed in Fall to remove crossing or weak branches (2). Can be pruned to shape as needed anytime, but it is best done after spring fruit production (for us and the birds) (D).

References