Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'
King Edward VII Flowering Currant
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
- Height
- 6 ft to 10 ft
- Width
- 6 ft to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Deep crimson red pendulous flower clusters with a rich tone
- Foliage color
- Soft green, shallowly lobed leaves with a slightly textured matte surface
- Bloom time
- Early to mid 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 6 to 9
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds, pollinators and birds attracted to nectar and berries
About this plant
Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII' produces pendant clusters of rich red flowers in elongated racemes, opening in early to mid-spring and bringing vivid color to the branches. Rounded, softly lobed leaves emerge a fresh green with a lightly textured surface, forming a dense backdrop as they expand. The flowers hang in graceful, drooping trusses, their deep red tones drawing hummingbirds and early pollinators while the foliage fills in to create a full, leafy presence through the season.
Originating from selections of the western North American species, this cultivar reflects early garden breeding focused on strong floral color and reliable spring performance. It is well suited to woodland borders, informal hedging, and wildlife gardens, where its early bloom period and nectar-rich flowers support seasonal activity.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Native Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Cotoneaster · Bee balm · Smoke bush · Dianthus · California lilac
Design tip
Make ‘King Edward VII’ an early-season anchor among shrubs that reach their peak later, giving the garden a strong opening display. Its broad, informal shape fills substantial garden space naturally, making it especially effective in larger, loosely arranged plantings.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
