Alpine currants are commonly confused with their sister plant the redcurrant (Ribes rubrum), and while the berries of alpine currants are edible, many find the taste to be unpleasant.
Light
Alpine currants are very adaptable shrubs that can survive in various light conditions. However, the shrub will perform best when planted in a location that receives bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Alpine currants can also survive in full shade, which is characterized as an area receiving four hours or less of light a day.
Soil
Moist, well-drained alkaline soils are ideal for alpine currants, although they are able to adapt to a variety of different soil types. If necessary, they can survive in dry, compacted soil as well.
Water
Alpine currants are moderately drought-tolerant but otherwise appreciate regular watering. If you live in a particularly dry region it may be necessary to supplement regular rainfall with additional waterings. Young plants, in particular, require more water and are less drought tolerant than mature shrubs.
Temperature and Humidity
Gardeners in cold regions rejoice! Alpine currants are notorious for being extremely winter hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -50 °F. They require little winter care but should be checked a couple of times throughout the winter for rabbit damage. If damage is present, construct a small fence around the alpine currant using hardware cloth to protect the plant. Alpine currants prefer dry conditions. In humid, wet environments alpine currants are more prone to developing anthracnose and leaf spot.
Fertilizer
Mature alpine currants do not require fertilization, but young plants can benefit greatly from regular fertilizing. Granular, liquid, or stake fertilizers can be used depending on your preference. Fertilization should occur in the early spring or in late fall. Regardless of which method of fertilization you choose, a fertilizer with high nitrogen content should be used: 21-7-14, 20-10-10, or 16-10-9 are all ideal mixes.
Varieties of Alpine Currant
There are several different cultivators of Alpine Currant. Some of the most popular varieties are as follows:
Ribes alpinum ‘Aureum’Ribes alpinum ‘Europa’Ribes alpinum ‘Spreg’Ribes alpinum ‘Green Mound’Ribes alpinum ‘Compacta’Ribes alpinum ‘Pumila’
Pruning Alpine Currant
Alpine currants appreciate regular pruning to keep the plant healthy and shapely. As the plant matures, more heavy pruning is required to help increase the longevity of the shrub. Renewal pruning can be done every year in the spring on a mature alpine currant. Renewal pruning involves removing one to five of the largest branches of the shrub down to the ground each spring to help encourage new growth.
