Red Currant Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One' (R)
ABOUT
Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One', commonly known as the red currant, is a deciduous shrub characterized by its vibrant fruit and foliage. The plant bears bright green leaves that are typically three-lobed, with a somewhat wrinkled texture and a lightly toothed margin. In spring, small, inconspicuous white flowers emerge, which are followed by the plant's most distinctive feature: clusters of glossy red berries. These fruit clusters hang gracefully from the branches, ripening in midsummer and providing a striking contrast against the greenery of the leaves. The berries themselves are translucent and spherical, each one small and held tightly to the others in the cluster. The bark of the red currant is usually a brownish-grey and subtly textured, becoming more wrinkled as the plant matures. The overall appearance of the red currant is of a lush and productive shrub, with its fruit being a highlight both visually and for culinary use.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Grossulariaceae.
Synonyms
Red Currant, Garden Currant, Redcurrant.
Common names
Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One'
ToxicityTo humans
Red currant (Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One') is not toxic to humans and is commonly grown for its edible berries. There are no typical symptoms of poisoning because the red currant is not poisonous.
To pets
Red currant (Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One') is generally considered safe for pets and is not known to be toxic. Ingesting parts of the red currant plant should not cause poisoning in pets, as it is commonly cultivated for its edible fruit.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-white
Height
3-5 feet [0.9-1.5 meters]
Spread
3-4 feet [0.9-1.2 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: The Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One', commonly known as red currant, produces tart berries that can be eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking.
- High in Nutrients: Red currant berries are rich in vitamins C and K, providing beneficial nutrients from the fruit.
- Wildlife Attraction: The shrub can attract birds and beneficial insects to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Landscape Beauty: Red currants add aesthetic appeal to a garden with their bright red berries and lush green foliage.
- Easy to Grow: Red currant is known for being hardy and relatively easy to cultivate, which can be rewarding for beginner gardeners.
- Compact Growth: This variety is suitable for small gardens due to its compact growth habit.
- Culinary Versatility: The berries can be used in a wide range of recipes, such as jams, jellies, and pastries, providing culinary versatility.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant rich: Red currant berries, including those from Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One', contain high levels of vitamins C and E, as well as anthocyanins and phenolics that exhibit antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Due to their bioactive compounds, red currant berries are believed to possess anti-inflammatory effects.
- Immune system support: The vitamin C content in red currants can contribute to the strengthening of the immune system.
- Digestive health: Red currants have fiber which is beneficial for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
- Skin health: The antioxidants in red currants may also contribute to maintaining skin health by neutralizing damaging free radicals.
- Eye health: Red currants contain nutrients that are thought to support eye health, including vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography – The vibrant red berries and green foliage of the red currant can be used in botanical photography to create visually striking images.
- Fabric Dye – The red berries might be used to create a natural fabric dye, giving textiles a soft red hue.
- Culinary Garnish – Red currant branches can be used to add a decorative touch to gourmet dishes and desserts due to their attractive appearance.
- Holiday Decorations – The berry-laden branches can be used to create natural and festive wreaths or centerpieces for holiday decorations.
- Educational Tool – Red currant plants can be utilized in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, fruit development, and gardening.
- Wildlife Habitat – The shrub provides shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
- Ink Production – The juice from the red currant berries can potentially be used in ink production for art or writing purposes.
- Craft Projects – The dried berries and branches can be used in various craft projects, such as homemade potpourri or decorative arrangements.
- Bird Feeding Station – By leaving berries on the bushes in autumn, they can serve as a natural bird feeding station, attracting a variety of bird species to the garden.
- Soil Erosion Control – The dense root system of red currant bushes can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscaping applications.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe red currant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe red currant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Productivity and Abundance: As a cultivar of red currant, Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One' symbolizes productivity and abundance due to its prolific fruiting habit, usually yielding a large crop of berries.
- Vitality and Life: The bright red color of the berries traditionally represents vitality and life, indicative of the vibrant energy associated with the fruit.
- Hardiness and Perseverance: Given the red currant's ability to withstand cold climates, it reflects hardiness and perseverance, thriving in challenging conditions.
- Tranquility and Peace: The green foliage and the way the plant grows can suggest a sense of tranquility and peace, adding to the calming aspect of gardens.
WaterRed currants like 'Laxton's Number One' prefer consistently moist soil, so water them regularly to maintain this condition. During the growing season, it's advisable to water about 1 to 2 gallons per week, depending on rainfall and soil type. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, then it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation positioned at the base of the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering since the plant's water requirements are lower when it's dormant.
LightRed currant bushes, including 'Laxton's Number One', thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages healthy growth and fruit development. Plant them in a spot that receives morning light and is protected from the intense afternoon sun if possible, although they can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
TemperatureRed currants such as 'Laxton's Number One' do well in a wide range of temperatures but are best suited for cooler climates. They can survive winter temperatures down to -40°F and can tolerate summer temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperatures for red currants are between 55°F and 75°F, which promotes good fruit set and ripening.
PruningPruning red currants like 'Laxton's Number One' is essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging fruit production. Prune annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, as well as crossing or inward-growing branches to improve air circulation. Thin out older stems to allow light to reach the center of the bush, which helps with fruit ripening. Aim to retain a mixture of young and old wood on the plant for ongoing fruit production.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Currant ('Laxton's Number One') thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for red currants is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite would create a fertile and well-aerated soil mix for optimal growth.
RepottingRed Currants ('Laxton's Number One') growing in containers should be repotted every 2-3 years. It's essential to refresh the soil mix to replenish nutrients and to accommodate the growing root system. Best repotted in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingRed Currants ('Laxton's Number One') prefer moderate humidity levels, but are adaptable to a range of conditions. They do not require high humidity and can thrive outdoors in average garden conditions without the need for additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, hardy.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleRibes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One', commonly known as redcurrant, begins its life as a seed, which, after experiencing stratification to break dormancy, germinates in the spring. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a small shrub, developing a root system and foliage. The plant matures and enters a vegetative state where it expands its woody structure and foliage, preparing for fruiting. After one or two years, the redcurrant reaches maturity and produces clusters of small, sour, red berries during the summer, after which it enters a dormancy period in the fall and winter. Each year thereafter, the plant will continue to produce fruit annually while going through cycles of dormancy and active growth. This perennial shrub may live and fruit for 10-20 years with proper care and conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Ribes rubrum 'Laxton's Number One', commonly known as the red currant, is typically propagated through hardwood cuttings. This method is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The ideal time to take hardwood cuttings is during the plant's dormancy in late fall or early winter. To propagate red currants in this way, one selects healthy, mature stems from the current or previous year's growth and cuts them into lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). The bottom cut should be made just below a bud, and the top cut should be made just above a bud to maximize the cutting's potential to sprout roots and shoots. The cuttings are then planted in well-drained soil with two-thirds of their length buried, ensuring that several buds are above the soil line. Within the following spring, the cuttings should begin to develop their own root systems and can eventually be transplanted to their permanent locations in the garden.
