Alpine Currant

Ribes alpinum

Cultivars: 'Green Mound', 'Compacta'

Alpine currant is a dense, fine-textured shrub commonly used for low hedges, foundation plantings, and formal borders. Its small green leaves create a tidy appearance, and it tolerates shaping well, making it popular in structured landscapes. Though its flowers and fruit are subtle, its real strength is its reliability and ability to form a uniform hedge or background planting.

Plant Characteristics
Genus
Ribes
Species
Ribes alpinum
Cultivar
‘Green Mound’, ‘Compacta’
Family
Grossulariaceae
Plant Characteristics
Bird-Attracting
Flowering
Hedge/Screening
Spring-Blooming
Plant Color
Green
Flower Color
Yellowish-green, insignificant
Bloom Time
Spring
Fall Color
Pale yellow
Height
3-6'
Width
3-6'
Water Use
Low
Care Instructions

Alpine currant performs best in full sun to partial sun and well-drained soil. It has low to medium water needs once established and tolerates a range of conditions. Water consistently during establishment, then transition to occasional deep watering. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain hedge form and density. It responds well to shearing. Winter protection is generally not needed in Rocky Mountain climates.