Ribes viburnifolium (Catalina Currant)
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Ribes viburnifolium
Catalina Currant
Characteristics
Height: 2 - 3 ft
Width: 8 ft
Natural Setting: Dry shady areas such as under oaks or large chaparral shrubs³
Plant Type: Shrub
Dormancy: Evergreen
Form: Spreading, Weeping
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Flower Season: Spring, Winter
Drainage: Moderate draining
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade-Full Shade
Water Requirements: Very Low once established
Cold Tolerance: Tolerates cold to 15° F
Overview
Very good low growing bush or tall ground cover for shady areas, spreads at a medium rate through layering. Has beautiful clusters of deep red flowers that bloom in late winter/early spring. Good to plant under oaks. Leaves have a delightful spicy-citrus like fragrance when rubbed. Mainly found in Southern California and Santa Catalina Island chaparral.
Anecdotal Experiences
It will die with too much sun everywhere except the immediate coast.
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A spreading perennial found in shady, moist areas. It has a pleasant fragrance and the leaves can be used for tea.