Ribes rubrum 'Cherry Red' (early-season)

Cherry Red' red currant plant (Ribes rubrum ‘Cherry Red’) is a highly attractive small shrub prized for its large clusters of translucent, ruby-red berries. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, the juicy berries have a delicious sweet-tart flavour. They are excellent for fresh eating and make outstanding jams and jellies.

Growing to approximately 1.5 m (5 ft), this vigorous, upright red currant shrub is well suited to being grown as an attractive edible hedge. In spring, 'Cherry Red' Red Currant plant produces long racemes of greenish-yellow flowers which, while not showy, are delicate and charming on close inspection and attractive to pollinators. Cherry Red Currant is self-fertile.

With its dense, medium-green foliage, 'Cherry Red' red currant bush is ideal for use as a windbreak, privacy screen, or landscape boundary. Ribes rubrum ‘Cherry Red’ is considered an early-season red currant variety. In mid-July, long, cascading clusters of bright red berries create a striking display against the foliage while attracting many birds to the garden. Established plants can produce 4.5 kg or more of fruit. 'Cherry Red' red currant is also frequently grown and pruned as a specimen plant, valued equally for its ornamental beauty and abundant productivity.

Exceptionally cold hardy to zone 3a (-40 °C), Cherry Red currant bush thrives in moist, well-drained soil and performs well in full sun to partial shade. Easy to grow and disease-resistant, this vigorous cultivar is a wonderful choice for feeding both birds and gardeners alike.