Ribes laurifolium (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1m
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Grossulariaceae
Ribes laurifolium is a dioecious evergreen shrub with a spreading bushy habit. Its dark green leathery leaves are elliptic to ovate with serrate margins, up to 10cm long and 4.5cm broad. Its yellow/ green flowers are tubular and borne in pendant racemes which are up to 6cm long. Female plants produce ellipsoid currants which are initially red, mature to black and appear in the summer months.
Ribes laurifolium Flower (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ribes laurifolium, commonly known as the Laurel Leaved Currant, is native to west China. In its native habitat it grows in woodland areas.
The etymological root of the binomial name Ribes is likely be from the Arabic Ribas, which refers to a plant now known as Rheum ribes. Laurifolium is derived from the Latin Laurus, another genus and folium
The landscape architect may find Ribes laurifolium useful as a small, spring flowering evergreen shrub. This shrub is not attractive to deer. This shrub is tolerant of maritime conditions.
Ribes laurifolium Leaf (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Ribes laurifolium flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to some birds and mammals.
Ribes laurifolium prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Ribes laurifolium requires little maintenance. If required pruning should be carried out after flowering.