If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hedge plant, try growing alpinum currants. What is an alpine currant? Read on to find out how to grow alpine currants and pertinent alpine currant info.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ribes alpinum, known as mountain currant or alpine currant, is a small deciduous, dioecious shrub native to central and northern Europe from Finland and Norway south to the Alps and Pyrenees and Caucasus, Georgia; in the south of its range, it is confined to high altitudes. It is scarce in western Europe, in Britain being confined to a small number of sites in northern England and Wales.
R. alpinum grows to 2 metres (6+1⁄2 feet) tall and 1.5 m (5 ft) broad, with an upright and dense shape. The bark is initially smooth and light grey, later it becomes brownish grey and eventually starts to flake off. The buds are scattered, compressed and light green to white. The leaves are palmate. The upper side of the leaves are dark green with scattered hair, while the bottom is light green. The male and female flowers are on distinct specimens.
Both kinds of flowers are organized in clusters in the corners of the leaves, where the male’s are the longest. The individual flowers are small and greenish-yellow. The fruit is red, clear and resembles a redcurrant, but has an insipid taste. The seeds germinate readily.

II. How to Grow and Care
Alpine currant is a hardy shrub known for its adaptability and low maintenance requirements, making it an easy-care choice for gardeners. Key care points include its preference for well-drained soil and tolerance for a range of sunlight conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Special care should be given to occasional pruning to maintain the desired shape and to promote healthy growth, which is especially important after the flowering season.
Sunlight
Alpine currant prefers a spot with ample sunlight. It is better to position it where it will receive a full day or at least half a day of sunlight, or this will affect the blooming of alpine currant and can cause excessive growth of leaves and a reduction in the fruit yield. Additionally, a lack of sun can lead to berries of poor quality or with little flavor. Therefore, plants should not be planted too close to each other, so they can receive ample exposure to the sun. If the weather gets very hot, you can set up shading nets to block strong sunlight, which will prevent the plants from getting sunburn.
Temperature
Alpine currant is adapted to a moist and cool environment that has a temperature difference between day and night. It has good resistance to cold temperatures. During dormancy, it can endure temperatures as low as -20 ℃. Due to its shallow roots, however, it is not resistant to drought or flooding.
Watering
Alpine currant thrives in its native habitat with a moderate need for moisture, indicative of its resilience to varying water conditions. Its watering regimen is conservative, requiring hydration once every three weeks, aligning with its ability to withstand periods of low water availability. As alpine currant is predominantly an outdoor plant, it benefits from natural rainfall patterns, making it well-suited for temperate climates where precipitation contributes significantly to its watering needs.
Soil
Alpine currant can adapt to a variety of soil types, although it prefers sandy loam soil or clay loam soil that is moist and well-drained, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH of 6-7. If the soil is alkaline, you can add some lime to adjust the pH. The shallow roots mean that you need to frequently till the soil, ensuring the topsoil is as loose as possible to promote deep root growth.
Fertilizing
To foster vigorous growth in alpine currant, a balanced fertilizer is beneficial. Apply in early spring at the start of the growing season and again in mid-summer to support foliage and overall health. A light dose, as specified by fertilizer instructions, is sufficient. Excess can harm alpine currants, so adhere strictly to recommended quantities and frequency. Incorporate the fertilizer gently into the soil around alpine currant while avoiding direct contact with the stem. Inactive during winter, alpine currant requires no fertilization. Water thoroughly after application to aid nutrient absorption. These measures will ensure alpine currant’s robust development and vitality.
Pruning
Alpine currant should be pruned twice a year, in winter and summer. Pruning helps to maintain healthy growth, so the plants will produce higher quality fruit. Also, if you see any drooping twigs, weakened branches, crowded stems, or branches that are diseased, you should prune them promptly.
When pruning in the winter, leave only 4-5 strong basal shoots, leaving each shoot with 4-5 buds. In the fourth year after the seedlings were planted, there will be approximately 16-20 healthy branches. At this time, cut off 4-5 weak branches, or any branches that have poor fruit-bearing capability, from the base. At the same time, select 4-5 new branches to replace the ones that were pruned.
Summer pruning should usually be carried out once the flowers have withered. At this time, cut off any newly sprouting branches and short twigs, so that the central parts of the plant can receive more sunlight. Removing any excess twigs can also make it easier to pick the fruit. Note that any branches which have blossomed should not be pruned since they will bear fruit.
Propagation
Alpine currant is a versatile shrub prized for its hardiness and low-maintenance nature. For successful propagation, taking semi-hardwood cuttings during the plant’s active growth phase is recommended. Cut a healthy, non-flowering shoot and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining, moist soil mix. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place in indirect light. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. With patience and care, new shrubs will thrive, contributing to the garden with their foliage and form.
Transplanting
The perfect time to transplant alpine currant is during the rejuvenating period of early to mid-spring, offering optimal root establishment. Choose a site with well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure. Ensure your alpine currant is given ample space to flourish.
III. Uses and Benefits
Alpine currant has both ornamental and culinary value. This shrub is often used as a shrub border or hedge, while its red berries can be eaten fresh or cooked. These berries are called red currants and are often used for jams, juices, sauces, etc.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Alpine currant will generally produce fruit 2-3 years after being planted. The fully ripe berries are heavy, dark-colored, and high in sugar. They can be eaten immediately or used to make wine. If grown in the garden, fruiting branches can be pruned to provide space for the growth of new branches.