King Edward VII Ribe

(red, climber) rose

Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ (Flowering Currant)

A deciduous shrub admired for its vivid, pendulous clusters of deep red flowers that appear in early to mid-spring before or with the emerging foliage. Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ produces showy, elongated flower trusses that attract early pollinators. The soft green, lobed leaves add texture through the growing season and may develop muted fall color. It forms an upright, slightly spreading habit and is especially effective for adding early-season color to the landscape.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 6–8′ W × 6–10′ H
USDA Zones: 6a–9b
Form: Upright to arching, loosely rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; adaptable
Water: Moderate; somewhat drought tolerant once established

Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring

Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Outstanding early spring bloomer with bold red flower clusters. Excellent for borders, woodland edges, and naturalized plantings. Works well as a specimen or informal hedge and provides important early nectar for pollinators.

Care:
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Remove older stems periodically to rejuvenate the plant. Tolerates dry conditions once established but benefits from occasional deep watering in prolonged drought.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

8'

Width

2'

Hardiness zones

6–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

Red, Rose

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Average, Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Specimen, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Arching, Rounded, Upright

Drought tolerant

No