Alpine Currant Bush

Ribes alpinum

$124⁹⁹

Out of stock
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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

Alpine Currant Bush highlights at a glance!

Specifications

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Ribes alpinum
Growing Zones

2-7
Mature Height

3 - 5 feet
Mature Spread

5 - 6 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Shade
Moisture

Moderate
Soil

Well Drained
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Greenish-Yellow
Fall Color

Yellow
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Fragrant

No
Pruning Time

Early Spring
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring

Growing Zones 2-7

Find Your Growing Zone!

When it comes to tenacity, the Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum) is strong and nearly impossible to kill. The Alpine Currant features dense branches from roots to tip that are completely cloaked by small leaves in medium green.

Of course, you get more than just a green shrub when you invest in the Alpine Currant. The textured foliage is accented by cute yellow clusters of small blooms that the pollinators adore, even if you won't really notice them.

One of the earlier deciduous shrubs to leaf out with serrated and lobed leaves that are bright and refreshing first thing in the spring. The bright green leaves age to a darker shiny green. Fall color can be yellow but it is not typical for this plant.

Songbirds appreciate the red berries that female plants produce, but because these plants are dioecious, you will want to plant multiples to ensure you have a male pollinator and fruit-producing female plants.

Our expert growers try to propagate male plants as they exhibit some rust resistance in the landscape. The dense branching is also wonderful nesting and cover for local birds.

Planting and Application:

This medium-green shrub makes for a lovely backdrop planting, an easily manageable natural hedge or a low-growing screen that offers touches of interest throughout the year! Alpine Currants make a safe and sound choice for an attractive and easy shrub that makes for a remarkable privacy and screening hedge, especially when trimmed into shape. Add to rock gardens as a very drought tolerant and xeric landscaping backbone!

While a singular Alpine Currant makes for an attractive addition to the garden bed as a focal point or for softening the corners of hardscapes, or anchoring a garden bed, they're typically used as foundation plantings! Currant bushes are a good option for older neighborhoods where there are mature trees.

Go-To Choice For Flowering Ornamental Landscaping
Early Bright Green Foliage In Spring
Looks Great Trimmed or Au Naturale
Flowers For Pollinators & Shelter For Birds
Low Hedges, Foundation Plantings, Specimens, Backdrops & En Masse

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The Alpine Currant withstands some of the most intolerable conditions. It doesn't mind a city setting or clay soils! It will also thrive in full sun to shade. Plant in full sun and partial shade throughout USDA growing zones 2 to 7 in well-drained enriched soil. These plants appreciate a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch, especially in drier and colder growing zone locations.

This tough shrub takes pruning like a champ and the Alpine Currant does appreciate an early springtime trim for the best health. If you are growing your shrub in its natural form, then instead of shearing, it's recommended you perform renewal pruning every few years instead. Simply remove the oldest branches leaving the younger thinner stems or they can be completely cut down and started over if desired.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderately Moist Well-Drained Soil
Alkaline Soil, Clay, Mild Drought & Salt Tolerant
Takes Spring Pruning Like a Champ
Very Cold Tolerant

Tough, cold-hardy and nearly impossible to kill, the Alpine Currant flowering and fruiting shrub that you and your local wildlife will adore! Order these hardy ornamental landscaping shrubs that take to pruning amazingly! Buy yours at NatureHills.com today!

Fast Shipping/Amazing Packaging!

I've purchased a couple of replacement currants for my hedge from this company, when one of them goes south (so to speak), and have been amazed at the shipping speed and the care that this company takes when packaging the plants. Ordered a bare root. What a root system this one has on it! The others have done real well as replacements. Growing strong. I'm quite sure that this one will do the same! I'm psyched!!

Dear Montana1,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly delighted to hear that our fast shipping and careful packaging have made such a difference in your experience. It’s encouraging to know that your replacement currants are thriving and that the bare root you received arrived with such a robust root system.

Should you ever need tips to ensure your hedge continues to grow strong, feel free to visit our Growing Guides section on the website, or reach out anytime—we’re always happy to help you nurture your plants to success.

We’re so glad to be part of your gardening journey and look forward to supporting your horticultural adventures for seasons to come!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Alpine Current

Appears to be a plant very adaptable to northern U S Climates. Review does not address Heat Zones that the plant will tolerate. The indication that it will grow in shade or sun makes it a plant to consider.

Hi Mulchlady,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback about the Alpine Currant bush! You’re absolutely right—this versatile plant does tend to thrive in northern U.S. climates and can handle both shade and sun, making it a great choice for a variety of garden settings.

Regarding your question about heat zones, Alpine Currants generally perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7. While they prefer cooler climates and can tolerate shade, they may struggle in areas with intense heat and prolonged drought. To help your bush thrive in warmer spots, providing some afternoon shade and ensuring well-drained soil with adequate moisture will go a long way.

If you’d like, we also have some planting guides and care tips on our website that can help you maximize your garden’s success with Alpine Currants and other adaptable plants.

Thanks again for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful note—your insights help all of us appreciate the wonderful variety in native gardening.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Dependable

I planted a row of the alpine currants years ago and they do great even in my not so wonderful soil.

Dear Cassie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Alpine Currant bushes! We’re thrilled to hear that they’ve thrived in your garden, even with challenging soil conditions. Alpine Currants are indeed very resilient and adaptable, making them a great choice for many landscapes.

If you're ever looking to enhance their growth or overall health, incorporating organic compost or mulch around the base can improve soil structure and retain moisture. Also, they typically appreciate some occasional pruning to maintain their shape and promote denser foliage.

We’re grateful for customers like you who trust Nature Hills for their planting needs and take the time to share their success stories.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Hedge plant

Living in a colder part of the country, I tried the Alpine Currant as a hedge. They have done very well with very little maintenance.

Hello Joe,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Alpine Currant bush! We’re delighted to hear that they’ve thrived in your colder climate with minimal upkeep. The Alpine Currant is indeed a fantastic choice for hardy hedges, especially in regions with cooler temperatures. If you ever want to keep your hedge looking its best, occasional pruning in late winter or early spring can encourage fuller growth. Also, make sure they get adequate watering during prolonged dry spells to support their health through all seasons.

If you have any questions as your hedge continues to grow or want recommendations for complementary plants that survive well in your region, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Dependable

I planted a row of the alpine currants years ago and they do great even in my not so wonderful soil.

Hi Cassie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the alpine currant bush! We're thrilled to hear that they've thrived for you, even with less-than-ideal soil conditions. These hardy plants are wonderful landscape additions and testaments to your green thumb!

If you’re ever interested in optimizing their care further or adding complementary shrubs to create a lovely garden hedge, we’re here to offer tips and recommendations tailored to your growing environment. Feel free to reach out anytime for advice or resources to help your garden flourish even more.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

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Alpine Currant Bush

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