Alpine Current is a Dependable Green Shrub

Alpine Current (Ribes alpinum) is a deciduous shrub with green leaves and an upright branching form that is a good choice for a border, shrub collection, or hedging plant. The shade tolerant shrub has leaves that remain dense at the ground level. This European native is hardy in Zones 2 through 7.

Alpine current is a moderate grower and will achieve 3 to 6 feet in height and width with an overall rounded shape. Alpine current tends to spread as it matures. The upright form is maintained by regular pruning.

The leaves fill out early in the spring. The leaf color starts out as a bright green and will change through the summer to a darker green. The fall color is a yellow or chartreuse. The leaves are shiny and dense.

Alpine current is dioecious, which means both male and female plants are needed for pollination and fruit production. There are green/yellow flowers in April, but they are inconspicuous. The fruit is a small red berry that ripens in July and is quickly eaten by local birds. The female plants are more susceptible to diseases and are not generally sold. The male plants are sturdier and more disease resistant.

Alpine current has lovable qualities. The shrubs will readily adapt to many different soil conditions adding to their versatility. Alpine current prefers well-drained soil within a wide range of pH values. They are somewhat drought tolerant. The shrubs are easily transplanted and thrive in direct sun, while tolerating moderate shade. The shrubs can be pruned during any time of the year, and they respond to pruning with renewed vigor.

Alpine current is propagated by rooted stem cuttings and seed. Alpine current tolerates urban pollution, but not high heat. This shrub is not a plant for southern gardens. Alpine current is a better selection for northern gardens when a non-ornamental shrub can fill in a border or create a three-season fence.

There are several dwarf cultivars available. 'Green Mound' is a good choice that grows 2-3 feet high and is more disease resistant. Also, look for 'Nana', 'Pumila', and 'Compacta'. The traditional current bush is 'Aureum' with its yellow leaves in the autumn. There is also 'Europa' and 'Spreg'. Alpine current is readily available in the trade in pots and ball-and-burlap.

Alpine current has predators. The shrub is susceptible to anthracnose, blight, leaf spot, rusts, aphids, scale, and currant bud mite. Some states limit the planting of Alpine current because it can be a host for white pine blister rust.

Sources
Ribes alpinum, University of Connecticut, http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/r/ribalp/ribalp1.html
Ribes alpinum, Ohio State University, http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs/TMI/Plantlist/ri_pinum.html
Ribes alpinum, University of Illinois, http://urbanext.illinois.edu/ShrubSelector/detail_plant.cfm?PlantID=430
Invasive and Noxious Weeds, USDA, http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxComposite?stateRpt=yes