Ribes rubrum Alba

Common Name:
White Currant

Description:
Ribes rubrum 'Alba', commonly known as White Currant, is a deciduous fruiting shrub that produces small, translucent white berries in summer. These berries are sweet, mildly tart, and perfect for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and desserts. The shrub has attractive lobed green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest to gardens. White currants are highly productive and easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soil with full sun to part shade. They are more delicate in flavour compared to red currants, making them a unique addition to home orchards. Regular pruning helps maintain airflow and improves fruiting. This cold-hardy shrub is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination with other currant varieties for increased yields.

Form:

• Shrub - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 1–1.5m
• Width: 1–1.5m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Pale green to yellow (not highly ornamental)

Key Attributes:

• Edible Fruit
• Self-Pollinating (but benefits from cross-pollination)
• Suitable for Pots
• Bee Attracting
• Cold Hardy
• Excellent for Jams and Desserts

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Other currant varieties (Ribes rubrum - Red Currant, Ribes nigrum - Black Currant)
• Strawberries (beneficial ground cover)
• Borage (attracts pollinators)
• Chives and Garlic (natural pest deterrents)
• Comfrey (improves soil health)