Alpine currant

Occurs naturally in the northwestern regions of the European part of Russia, in the Carpathians, in the Caucasus, in Scandinavia, and in Central and Southern Europe. Found in forests, among shrubs, along riverbanks, on plains and in mountains up to the subalpine belt, on rocks. Protected in reserves. In cultivation since 1588.

Appearance: a handsome deciduous shrub, up to 2.5 m tall, with brown shoots, initially upright, later – broader, dome-shaped.

Flowers: small, greenish; staminate in racemes up to 4 cm long, of 2–20 flowers; pistillate in very short racemes of 2–3 flowers.

Fruits: red, spherical or slightly elongated berries (up to 0.9 cm), tasteless, very showy against dark foliage.

Leaves: ornamental three-lobed, dark green, up to 4 cm long, sharply toothed at the margin, glossy above, lighter beneath, smooth or sparsely hairy; autumn leaf color ranges from pale yellow to ochre-yellow.

Requirements: partial shade, does not tolerate drought or high temperatures, winter-hardy, wind-resistant, relatively tolerant of urban conditions.

Soils: from relatively dry to moist, from acidic to alkaline, sandy loam or loam.

Note: one of the few species that tolerate topiary well; it can be used to create not only simple geometric forms but also elaborate figures.

Propagation: by seed, sown immediately after fruit ripening or in late autumn, pre-stratified after collection. For spring sowing a 2–3-month stratification is required. Optimal sowing depth 0.5 cm. Can also be propagated by layering and hardwood cuttings.

Individual features: Suitable for topiary.

Landscape use: specimens, group plantings, hedges, borders. This shrub can be used to create not only simple geometric shapes but also intricate figures.

Diseases and pests: may be damaged by spider mites, aphids, rust.

Has several forms: dwarf with yellow leaves — (f. aurea); dwarf with small leaves — (f. pumila); with deeply incised-toothed leaves — (f. laciniata), etc.

'Aurea'. Dwarf shrub about 1 m tall, wider than tall. Young leaves are golden. Attractive in flower when the shrub looks lacy thanks to numerous pale yellow flowers on short racemes. By late summer these become tasteless bright red berries.

'Pumilum'. Shrub reaching 1.5 m in height at 10 years, crown diameter 120 cm. Grows slowly. Flowers and fruits from age 5. Seasonal development dates are similar to the species. Fully winter-hardy. Easily propagated by summer cuttings in cold frames: rooting up to 90%.

Zone: 3

Source: www.flower.onego.ru