Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ribes aureum is a plant in the genus ribes. it is native to central and eastern europe. the plant is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–2 m tall. the leaves are alternate, simple, and 7–15 cm long and 3–6 cm broad. the flowers are yellow, with five petals, and produced in racemes 5–10 cm long. the fruit is a red or blackberry 2–3 cm diameter.

Alternative name

• Golden Currant
  
• Yellow Currant
  
• Clove Currant
  
• Buffalo Currant
  
• Missouri Currant

Good to Know

• Ribes aureum is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ribes.
  
• It is native to North America, where it occurs in the United States and Canada.
  
• It is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed, with three to seven lobes.
  
• The flowers are yellow, borne in racemes.
  
• The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe.
  
• The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
  
• It is also used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, such as the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon).
  
• Ribes aureum is a host plant for the Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek), a federally endangered butterfly.
  
• The plant is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and anthracnose.

Related plant:
Ribes King Edward

How to Grow

1. For ribes aureum, first step is to purchase the plant.
   
2. The second step is to plant the ribes aureum in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
   
3. Next, water the plant regularly.
   
4. Then, fertilize the plant monthly.
   
5. After that, prune the plant annually.
   
6. Then, watch for pests and diseases.
   
7. Next, harvest the plant when the fruits are ripe.
   
8. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor!

The Soil

About soil condition, Ribes aureum commonly known as golden currant, flowers on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade. It is quite tolerant of urban pollution. This species is sometimes vegetatively propagated by taking softwood cuttings in late spring.

About light

Not too different with other plants, the Ribes aureum needs sunlight to grow. However, it is a bit more tolerant to shade than other plants. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is a good plant to grow under trees or in other shady areas.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of Ribes aureum is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature falls below 70 degrees, the growth of the plant is significantly slowed. However, it can still survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 50 degrees, the plant will start to experience dieback.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. Ribes aureum can be found in various habitats, but prefer open, sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant, but not tolerant of soggy, wet conditions.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant benefits from a light application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring. Once growth begins, you can back off on the fertilizer a bit. Also, make sure you're not over-watering your plant. Too much water can cause the root system to rot.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for your Ribes aureum plant. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are growing too close to the main stem of the plant. You should prune your plant in the early spring before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by seed, which is sown in early spring. The seeds should be sown in a cold frame or outdoors in a prepared bed. Once germination occurs, the seedlings should be thinned to 18-24 inches apart. Once they have reached a foot in height, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate information is unavailable. However, they are known to grow quickly when they first sprout, and then their growth begins to slow. They can reach a height of 3-4 feet and a width of 2-3 feet.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are usually due to too much water or not enough sun. If the plant does not get enough sun, it will become spindly and produce fewer flowers. If it gets too much water, the roots will rot and the plant will die.

Growing Tips

• Remember to water regularly, as the plant tends to dry out quickly.
  
• Place in a sunny spot for best results.
  
• To encourage growth, fertilize monthly using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Protect the plant from strong winds, as its brittle stems can snap easily.
  
• Cut back the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Be on the lookout for aphids and other pests, as they can wreak havoc on the plant.
  
• If you live in a cold climate, make sure to bring the plant indoors during the winter months.
  
• Keep an eye on the plant's leaves, as they will turn yellow and drop off if the plant is not getting enough water.
  
• When transplanting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball.
  
• Add a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.

Similar Plants

• Malus aurea
  
• Rubus aureus
  
• Falcaria aurea
  
• Micarea aurea
  
• Ramalina aurea
  
• Cladonia aurea
  
• Pisolithus tinctorius
  
• Chaetomium globosum
  
• Elymus arenarius
  
• Rorippa islandica

Source:
Ribes aureum, Buffalo Currant - Oklahoma Biological Survey
ARIZ Collections - Ribes aureum - db.herbarium.arizona.edu
Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness-- Ribes aureum