Description of blood-red currant varieties, planting and care rules

Although berry bushes are usually considered productive plants, there are varieties, such as ornamental currants, that are effectively used in landscaping and other similar purposes. This variety does not require special growing conditions and pleases with beautiful blood-red flowers. Despite the fact that the berries of this shrub are not eaten, it is widely popular.

Botanical features of ornamental currants

This currant grows up to two or three meters. In the wild, specimens are observed whose height reaches four meters. When such bushes grow in northern regions, due to harsh climatic conditions they are able to reach a height of no more than one meter.

The foliage can have different shades of green: from soft green, light green or yellow to dark shades.

The fruits are black, with a slight bluish tinge. The size of the berries does not exceed 1 centimeter. Fruiting does not begin immediately - berries can be obtained starting from the fifth year of the plant’s life. The fruits begin to set in August. The berries of this currant variety do not stand out in anything special - their taste is inexpressive, and they are not used for food.

Forms and varieties of blood-red currants

This plant is known for its decorative forms with improved characteristics:

1. The first form is called dark red. Its distinctive feature is the flowers are dark red with a ruby ​​tint. This shrub (Atrorubens) is relatively small in size - the height is usually between one and one and a half meters.
2. The Brondebank currant is known for having yellow flowers and golden leaves (Brocklebankii).
3. The Splendens form is distinguished by large flowers that have a bright red hue.
4. The Carneum form is characterized by pale pink flowers that are larger in size. The height of the bush does not exceed 1 meter.
5. A form with whitish flowers (Albescens) was developed.
6. The terry variety Flore-plena has luxurious, dense inflorescences.
7. There are varieties belonging to the variegata type. A distinctive feature is the presence of cream spots and spotted colors.

The most famous varieties of blood-red currants:

1. King Edward VII flowers have a rich wine hue. They are combined into massive elongated brushes. At the same time, the crown of such currant bushes is loose. This variety is considered one of the best.
2. Pulborough Scarlet flowers have a pink-red color, which combines beautifully with the emerald leaves of the currant, which have a slight bluish tint.
3. White Icicle has snow-white flowers. The bushes appear as if shrouded in a white cloud. The flowers are united in large dense inflorescences.
4. Tydeman's White grows up to two meters in height. It combines a creamy white color with very brightly colored leaves.
5. Among the rose-flowered blood-red currant bushes, Strybing Pink is considered one of the most impressive.

It is necessary to mention successful hybrids:

1. Obtained by grafting onto golden currant.
2. If you take fragrant currants as a basis, and alternately graft golden and blood-red varieties onto different branches.
3. We can mention the Gordon currant, which combines a charming appearance with exceptionally strong winter hardiness. During winter, the plant does not require additional insulation measures.

Description

Blood red currant is the largest compared to other varieties.

The growing season lasts almost throughout the year. In every season it is able to please its owners. In spring and summer, currant blossoms are amazing. Even in winter it stands out in the garden with its picturesque crown.

The growing season begins in mid-April and continues until the onset of winter cold.

What does a bush look like?

The diameter of the crown approximately corresponds to the height of the bush. The shoots are straight and look strong. The bark on them has a beautiful reddish tint. The foliage is medium-large, usually ranging in size from 2 to 8 centimeters.

The leaves of the shrub have a palmate-lobed structure, and in the central part they are larger in size compared to the lateral ones. The upper part of the leaf is shiny, the lower part has a sparse edge.

Characteristics of flowering of a non-standard shrub

Blood red currants are famous for their flowers. On the branches they are collected in brushes, and each contains 5 petals. Their color ranges from soft pink to blood red.

Benefits of using it in garden design

This currant can be used for decorative purposes. Here are application examples:

1. Can be grown as a centerpiece when decorating lawns.
2. Suitable for use in spring flower beds as a taller plant, for combination with other species.
3. Effective when used as part of landscape groups, among other shrubs and trees.
4. Suitable as a decoration for the front garden.
5. Used as part of a hedge, as one of the unusual plants.

Where is it recommended to grow

This currant does not require special growing conditions. However, she will delight you with beautiful flowers in those cases when comfortable conditions are created for her. Blood red currants are recommended to be grown in areas where there is good lighting.

Conditions required for decorative currants

It must be taken into account that the plant needs high-quality soil - fertile, loose and moist.The shrub will grow well in neutral or slightly acidic soil, but heavy clay or damp soil will not suit it.

Landing technology

Before planting currants in the ground, you need to improve the soil in advance - feed it with complete mineral or organic fertilizers. Shrubs are planted in early spring or autumn. It will require a large hole. It is necessary that its size is twice or three times the size of the root. Seedlings are buried in the ground with a depth of 5-10 centimeters. Immediately after planting, you need to mulch and water the plant several times.

Caring for blood red currants

This variety is known for its low maintenance requirements. The plant will require regular weeding and loosening of the soil. This is done once or twice a year. If you maintain a mulch layer of soil, you don’t have to do this.

What kind of watering does the crop require?

It is necessary to monitor the maintenance of soil moisture. In dry times, it is necessary to water the currants to support the plant. It is especially important to do this during the active growing season.

What to feed for long and bright flowering

For several years after planting, fertilizers are not required for blood red currant bushes. Feeding is carried out annually once a season, with the exception of the first two years. This procedure is carried out in early spring. This requires the introduction of mineral fertilizers or the addition of organic matter.

Pest and disease control

Currants are not susceptible to attack by insect pests or diseases, provided that they are properly cared for. Such problems arise only in very neglected bushes.

Schemes and technology for bush formation

Pruning of branches begins from the third year, and is done once every three years. During this procedure, old and non-viable branches are removed, as well as those that create thickening of the crown.

If young shoots are shortened by a third, this will subsequently lead to their intensive growth. Pruning is done at the end of March or the first half of April, removing all the weakest branches.

Wintering

The main difficulty in growing blood-red currants is that in order for them to survive the winter well, they need special care. If this is not done, then in areas with a temperate or cold climate, the part that is above the ground will freeze.

For care you need:

1. When the leaves fall, the ground around the plant is cleared, and the base of the bush is hilled up.
2. The shoots are tilted to the ground and covered with dry leaves.
3. In snowy winters, they try to cover the currants with snow.
4. You can use spruce branches to cover the bush.
5. To care for the plant in winter, it is wrapped in non-woven material.

Reproduction methods

The following methods are used for this:

1. For propagation by cuttings, branches 25 centimeters long are cut. They are rooted using a moist substrate in a warm place. To create suitable conditions, this is done under a transparent hood.
2. To obtain layering, suitable branches are sprinkled with earth in the middle, then they need to be watered intensively until roots form. After this, the branches are cut and planted in a suitable place.
3. You can use seeds. The bush will begin to produce them from the third year of existence. They are sown in boxes or pots and germinated. After this, they can be planted in the ground.

Reviews from gardeners about the variety

Nikolay

“Currants please with their appearance. Started to grow.It blooms beautifully, but does not grow more than one and a half meters. This is probably due to the cold climate.”

Tatiana

“Beautiful bush. Previously, I only saw it among neighbors, but then I started growing it at home. The currants did not disappoint my expectations - they please me with luxurious flowers.”