Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Ribes sanguineum 'Henry Henneman'
Henry Henneman Flowering Currant
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
- Height
- 6 ft to 8 ft
- Width
- 6 ft to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Pendulous clusters of soft white flowers with faint greenish undertones
- Foliage color
- Soft green, shallowly lobed leaves with a matte, slightly textured surface
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to moderate once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to shape and remove older wood
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds, pollinators and birds attracted to nectar and dark berries
About this plant
Ribes sanguineum 'Henry Henneman' bears pendant clusters of pure white flowers in elongated racemes, opening in late winter to early spring and brightening the bare branches. Rounded, softly lobed leaves emerge a fresh green with a lightly textured surface, unfolding alongside the blooms and creating a soft, layered effect. The flowers hang in loose, cascading trusses, drawing early pollinators while the foliage develops into a full, leafy presence through the growing season.
Originating from selections of the western North American species, this cultivar reflects garden breeding that emphasizes clear, luminous flower color. It is well suited to woodland borders, informal hedging, and wildlife gardens, where its early bloom period and nectar-rich flowers support seasonal garden activity.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Native Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Peonies · Alpine mint bush · Wallflower · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Manzanita
Design tip
Mix ‘Henry Henneman’ into an informal screen with other deciduous shrubs, where its white flowers can punctuate the planting without creating a solid wall. Allow its naturally loose branching to interrupt denser shapes nearby, keeping the boundary relaxed and garden-like.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
