Ribes Sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ – A Gorgeous and Low-Maintenance Flowering Currant

If you’re looking to add some striking, early spring color to your garden, Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ is a gorgeous choice This flowering currant cultivar produces an abundance of rich, crimson blooms in pendulous clusters. Beyond its floral display, ‘King Edward VII’ offers multi-season interest, low maintenance, and wildlife benefits Read on to learn all about growing this jewel-toned beauty.

An Overview of Ribes Sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’

Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ is a deciduous flowering currant selection notable for its vivid reddish-pink blooms. It was likely bred around the turn of the 20th century and named after the British king who reigned from 1901 to 1910.

This currant reaches 3-6 feet tall and wide at maturity with an upright but arching form It features five-lobed leaves that emerge light green in spring and transition to blue-green in summer before taking on golden fall hues,

The star of the show are the pendant, tubular flower clusters that dangle gracefully from the branches in early to mid spring. Compared to the species, ‘King Edward VII’ produces longer flower clusters in a richer crimson-red color. Lightly fragrant, they attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

After the flowers fade, small edible currants develop which ripen to a blue-black color in summer. Songbirds relish these vitamin-rich berries.

Hardy in USDA zones 6-8, ‘King Edward VII’ thrives in full sun to part shade. It prefers evenly moist, well-draining soil but is adaptable to average conditions. Once established, it has good drought and heat tolerance.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the standout qualities that make Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ a fantastic addition to gardens:

• Vibrant spring blooms – Few flowering shrubs can match the intensely saturated reddish-pink flower display It provides a blast of color as the landscape awakens

• Wildlife value – Flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators while the berries are relished by songbirds. It’s a great choice for wildlife gardens.

• Multi-season interest – Flowers in spring, blue-black berries in summer, golden fall foliage provides year-round ornamental value.

• Low maintenance – Requires little pruning or upkeep once established. Tolerates heat, periodic drought, and various soil types.

• Compact form – A bit more compact than the species, reaching 3-6 feet high and wide. Excellent for smaller spaces.

• Hedges and borders – The arching branches and dense growth make ‘King Edward VII’ well suited for ornamental hedges or mixed borders.

Growing Tips for Ribes Sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’

To get the most out of your Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’, follow these simple guidelines:

• Plant in full sun for heaviest flowering. Light afternoon shade is tolerated.

• Space approximately 5-6 feet apart for an informal hedge. 3-4 feet for borders.

• Provide evenly moist, well-draining soil. Avoid overly wet conditions.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer before spring growth. Avoid high nitrogen.

• Prune immediately after flowering while still small to promote dense growth.

• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Watch for aphids and currant borers if overwatered or stressed.

• Propagate by cuttings in summer or fall. Transplant in winter when dormant.

With its modest requirements for sun, space, and care, ‘King Edward VII’ is an easy and eye-catching addition to landscapes in USDA zones 6-8. Allow it to showcase its stellar floral display by avoiding pruners until after the blooms fade. Then lightly trim to encourage branching and maintain desired size.

How to Use Ribes Sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ in the Landscape

Here are some ideas for incorporating this flowering currant into your garden design:

• As a colorful feature shrub in mixed borders and beds. Combine with spring blooming perennials.

• Planted in groupings of three or more for a vivid spring hedge or screen. Space 3-5 feet apart.

• As a focal point specimen planted against a dark backdrop like evergreens.

• Along a woodland garden’s edge to add a pop of color as the landscape awakens.

• In native plant gardens, prairie-style designs, and wildlife habitats to support pollinators.

• As part of a flowering shrub border with other Ribes, flowering quince, viburnums, spirea, and weigela.

• In island beds or traffic islands for vivid color visible from a distance.

With its tolerance for heat, drought, and clay soil, ‘King Edward VII’ flowering currant is ideal for low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes in USDA zones 6-8. Allow it to showcase its pendant crimson blooms, then lightly trim after flowering. Plant it as a small flowering hedge, border, or garden accent, and enjoy this beauty for years to come.