Red Currant Ribes rubrum 'Rovada' (R)
ABOUT
Ribes rubrum 'Rovada', commonly known as red currant 'Rovada', is a deciduous shrub known for its appealing appearance, particularly when it bears fruit. It has a bushy growth habit with multiple stems emerging from its base, creating a voluminous look. The leaves of 'Rovada' are a vibrant green with three to five lobes that are somewhat reminiscent of a maple leaf, and the edges are softly serrated. The foliage has a slight glossiness to it, catching the sunlight and adding a fresh texture to the garden. During the flowering season, 'Rovada' showcases small, inconspicuous flowers that are usually a pale green or white shade. These flowers are not particularly showy, but they are significant as they lead to the plant's noteworthy feature, its fruit. As summer progresses, the red currant 'Rovada' begins to display its clusters of bright red berries, known as strigs. These berries are small, round, and typically quite juicy, dangling elegantly from the branches in lengthy racemes. When fully laden with fruit, the bush becomes a spectacle of vibrant red amidst its green foliage. The red berries not only add a splash of color to the garden but also attract birds and other wildlife, making 'Rovada' an excellent plant for those looking to support local ecosystems. While the berries are visually appealing, they are also edible and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. They are known for their tart flavor, which is often sweetened in recipes or balanced with other ingredients. The contrast between the hanging fruit and the leafy background of 'Rovada' creates a striking visual display that is appreciated by many home gardeners and landscape enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Grossulariaceae.
Synonyms
Rovada Red Currant, Red Currant 'Rovada'.
Common names
Ribes rubrum 'Rovada'
ToxicityTo humans
The red currant 'Rovada' is generally considered safe for human consumption. The berries are edible and commonly used in a variety of culinary applications. There is no significant toxicity associated with this plant for humans, and eating the berries does not typically result in poisoning.
To pets
The red currant 'Rovada' is also generally safe for pets, with no significant toxicity reported. Pets may safely consume the berries in moderation. There is usually no cause for concern if pets ingest parts of this plant, as it is not known to be poisonous to common household pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-white
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- High in Nutrients: Rovada currant is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.
- Edible Fruit: Produces tasty red currants that can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from fresh eating to preserves and baking.
- Ornamental: With its attractive berries and foliage, it adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fruit attracts birds, which can aid in pest control and add to the biodiversity of your garden.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Harvest Period: Provides a long picking season, often from mid-summer to late summer.
- Flexible Growing Conditions: Can grow in a range of soil types and in different climate conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can survive periods of low water availability.
- Compact Size: Its manageable size makes it appropriate for growing in smaller garden spaces or even in containers.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts beneficial insects like bees, which are important for the pollination of many other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and is relatively resistant to common pests and diseases.
- Cold Hardy: Can endure cold winter temperatures, making it suitable for temperate climates and extending its range of cultivation.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Red currant (R. rubrum 'Rovada') berries are a source of antioxidants, which can help in protecting cells from damage by free radicals.
- Vitamin C: The high vitamin C content in red currants may contribute to immune system support and skin health.
- Anti-inflammatory: Red currants contain anti-inflammatory properties which may help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Dietary Fiber: The fiber found in red currants can aid digestive health and help in maintaining a healthy gut.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The berries of the red currant can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of pink to purple shades depending on the mordant used.
- Wildlife Habitat: Red currant bushes can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and beneficial insects in a garden ecosystem.
- Hedge Plants: Due to their dense growth habit, red currant bushes can be planted in rows to create an attractive, edible hedge.
- Photography Subject: The striking clusters of bright red berries make red currant bushes popular subjects for garden and nature photography.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches laden with bright berries can be used in floral displays for a pop of natural color and texture.
- Educational Use: Red currant plants can be used in school gardens to teach children about plant growth, fruit development, and pollination.
- Landscape Design: With their attractive foliage and berries, red currants can be incorporated into ornamental garden designs as a feature plant.
- Bonsai: The red currant can be trained as a bonsai plant, offering a unique and artistic hobby for enthusiasts.
- Permaculture Practices: As part of a permaculture design, red currant bushes can be integrated into forest gardens for their yield and ability to attract beneficial insects.
- Culinary Education: Culinary schools and cooking classes may use red currants to teach students about incorporating sour and tart flavors into dishes and desserts.
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- Abundance: Red currant bushes, including Ribes rubrum 'Rovada', are known for their plentiful fruit production, symbolizing an abundance of blessings and resources.
- Vitality: The vivacious red color of the fruit is often associated with vitality and life force, indicating energy and health.
- Protection: In folklore, some berry bushes, including red currants, were thought to ward off negative influences, hence representing protection.
- Prosperity: Fruit-bearing plants like the red currant are often symbols of prosperity and wealth, as a productive harvest traditionally indicated material success.
- Happy Memories: The red currant, often grown in gardens and remembered from childhood, can evoke nostalgic memories of family and summertime happiness.
WaterRed currants, including the 'Rovada' variety, require consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 gallons of water per plant during the growing season. In periods of drought or extreme heat, the frequency should be increased to twice a week. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, use drip irrigation or water at the base of the plants. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in fall, and during winter, only water if the ground is not frozen and there has been a prolonged dry spell.
LightRed currants like 'Rovada' prefer a spot with full sun to partial shade. They thrive best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, although in particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. The ideal location would offer morning sunlight and protection from harsh afternoon rays.
TemperatureRed currants, including the 'Rovada' variety, are cold-hardy plants and can tolerate winter temperatures down to 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, although they need a period of dormancy with cold temperatures to set fruit. The ideal growing temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and fruit production. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can negatively affect the plants and may require additional shading or water to maintain health.
PruningPruning red currants like 'Rovada' helps maintain plant health, encourages air circulation, and increases fruit production. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. Remove any dead or damaged wood, thin out the center of the bush to allow light in, and cut back older branches to encourage new growth. Prune annually to keep the plants productive and healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed currant 'Rovada' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. For the best soil mix, combine loamy garden soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and drainage.
RepottingRed currant 'Rovada' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. In containers, young plants may need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingRed currants 'Rovada' prefer outdoor conditions and do not have specific humidity requirements, but they do best in environments that mimic their natural habitat, which is not overly dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, cool temps; prune for shape.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, and prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleRibes rubrum 'Rovada', commonly known as the red currant 'Rovada', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs when conditions are favorable, typically in spring. The seedling then grows and develops into a young plant with a main stem, leaves, and a root system. Over the years, the plant matures and becomes a fruiting shrub, characterized by significant woody growth and multiple canes. Flowering occurs in spring, with small greenish-yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of clusters of bright red berries in early to mid-summer. After fruiting, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter, where it loses its leaves and conserves energy. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the cycle repeats, with the shrub producing new growth and preparing for another year of flowering and fruiting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Ribes rubrum 'Rovada', commonly known as the Red Currant, is through hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late fall after the leaves have dropped or in early spring before new growth begins. To do this, select healthy, pencil-thick canes from the previous year's growth and cut them into sections about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, ensuring each cutting has at least two or three buds. The bottom cut should be just below a bud, and the top cut should be about an inch (2.5 centimeters) above a bud. Dip the lower end of the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant them in a mixture of peat and perlite, burying two-thirds of their length into the soil. To keep the cuttings moist, cover the area with a plastic bag or use a cold frame. Roots should establish by the next growing season, after which the young plants can be transplanted to their final location.
