Pink Flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink'
ABOUT
'Poky's Pink' is a variety of flowering currant known for its ornamental value. This plant is adorned with striking clusters of pink flowers that hang gracefully in pendant racemes, providing a delicate and colorful display that is sure to catch the eye. The individual blooms are small and tubular, with a soft pink hue that adds a touch of elegance to the overall appearance of the plant. The foliage of 'Poky's Pink' is also quite attractive, with lobed leaves that have a bright green coloration. These leaves are typically arranged in an alternating pattern along the stems, creating a lush and full-bodied look throughout the growing season. When the leaves catch the light, they can exhibit a lovely shimmer that further enhances the plant's aesthetic appeal. As a deciduous shrub, 'Poky's Pink' will lose its leaves in the fall, but the plant's structure remains appealing even in dormancy with its arching branches that lend a graceful silhouette to the winter landscape. In spring, the plant revives with a flush of fresh green foliage before the pink blossoms make their much-anticipated return. Overall, the appearance of 'Poky's Pink' is one of charming beauty. Its combination of delicate pink flowers and vibrant green leaves makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a soft, romantic look in their garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Flowering Currant, Pink Flowering Currant, Poke's Pink Red Currant, Poky's Pink Currant.
Common names
Ribes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant does not have a noted history of causing poisoning or severe adverse effects in people. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary and it's generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There's no widespread evidence to suggest that the plant causes poisoning in animals. Nevertheless, pet owners should still prevent pets from ingesting plants as they could cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fiber content, which can lead to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its showy pink flowers.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, which is ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a long blooming season, typically from late winter to spring.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers food and shelter to birds and beneficial insects.
- Adaptability: Can grow well in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Red-flowering currant can provide a valuable habitat for local birds, offering shelter and nesting sites within its dense branches.
- Winter Interest: Even when not in bloom, the shrub's reddish-bark and interesting branch structure can add visual appeal to a winter garden landscape.
- Dried Arrangements: Branches with mature seed pods or the dried flowers of Red-flowering currant can be harvested and used in decorative dried floral arrangements.
- Garden Structure: Because it has a naturally upright and multi-stemmed growth habit, it can be used to provide structure and height in a mixed border or shrubbery.
- Erosion Control: Due to its dense rooting system, Red-flowering currant can be planted on slopes or banks to help prevent soil erosion.
- Educational Use: This plant can be incorporated into educational gardens to teach about native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.
- Photography Subject: With its striking pink flowers, Red-flowering currant can make an excellent subject for nature and garden photographers.
- Natural Dyes: The berries of the Red-flowering currant may be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts, although this use is not well-documented and experimentation may be necessary.
- Fragrance Garden Component: While the fragrance might be subtle, Red-flowering currant can contribute to a sensory garden designed around scents.
- Dynamic Autumn Display: The leaves of Red-flowering currant often change to vibrant autumnal hues, adding to the fall interest in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRed flowering currant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRed flowering currant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Hope: Ribes sanguineum, commonly known as Flowering Currant, blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of a new cycle of growth.
- Beauty and Splendor: The 'Poky's Pink' cultivar, with its stunning pink flowers, represents beauty and the appreciation of splendor in the natural world.
- Attraction and Seduction: Some cultures might see the vibrant flowers as a symbol of attraction and the power of nature to seduce the senses.
- Prosperity: The abundance of flowers in clusters may be seen as a sign of prosperity and an omen of abundant harvest or success.
WaterFlowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink') prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week allowing the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. In hotter, drier climates, you may need to water twice a week. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Established plants are drought-tolerant but will benefit from the equivalent of about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week during active growth.
LightFlowering Currant thrives in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot receives morning sunlight and is sheltered from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun. Ensure that the plant gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering and growth.
TemperatureFlowering Currant is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 20°F to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. Ensure protection from extreme frosts, as temperatures below 20°F may damage the plant.
PruningPrune Flowering Currant to maintain its shape and encourage healthier, more robust flowering. Pruning is best done immediately after the plant has finished flowering in spring. Remove dead or weak stems, and cut back up to one-third of the older stems to promote new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering Currant thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. It is also beneficial to add a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
RepottingFlowering Currant generally doesn't require frequent repotting since it's a shrub used to growing outdoors. It may need repotting every few years if grown in containers, ideally during its dormancy in late winter or early spring.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Currant prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors in its growing zones. No specific humidity requirements need to be maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part shade, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleRibes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink', commonly known as Flowering Currant, begins its life cycle with seed germination in suitable soil and light conditions, typically in early spring. The seedling emerges and grows into a young shrub with characteristic lobed leaves; this juvenile stage can last several years as the plant establishes itself. The mature stage follows, with the shrub reaching its full size and beginning to produce pink flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers give way to small, inedible berries (fruit) that birds may feed on. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the winter, during which it loses its leaves and conserves energy. Year after year, the Flowering Currant re-emerges from dormancy in the spring, repeating the flowering and fruiting cycle, and gradually growing larger over its lifespan, which can be several decades in suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early Summer
Ribes sanguineum 'Poky's Pink', commonly known as Flowering Currant, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is most effective when carried out in the late spring or early summer. Select healthy, new growth and cut a 4-6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length, making sure there are at least two leaf nodes present. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development, then the cutting is planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist and provide the cutting with a humid environment, sometimes achieved by placing a plastic bag or cover over the cutting to maintain humidity. With proper care, roots should develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be acclimatized to outdoor conditions and planted in a permanent location.
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