closeup of ribes-sanguineum

How to prune Ribes sanguineum

Written by Sophie Essex, freelance garden writer and landscaper. BSc Botany/ Plant Biology, MSc Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants.

Pruning Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant) at the correct time gives next year's flowers and fruits as long as possible to develop. It's also a good opportunity to rejuvenate mature shrubs to keep them healthy and productive. Read our horticultural team's guide to pruning flowering currants for expert advice.

Browse our full range of currant plants to find the best variety for your garden.

When to prune Ribes sanguineum

Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' from Thompson & Morgan

This popular upright shrub provides spring colour and scent
Image: Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' from Thompson & Morgan

Ribes should be pruned annually in early summer after it has finished flowering. This allows the maximum time for next year’s growth to develop, ensuring a good display of flowers the following spring:

  • Remove any damaged or dead stems.
  • Cut back all the remaining stems to a pair of healthy buds. 
  • If you have a very mature plant then you should also remove a fifth of the old shoots at ground level to encourage fresh new growth.
Sophie Essex

Written by: Sophie Essex, garden writer

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh. Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Banner image: imageportal/ Shutterstock

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