Alpine Currant Bush

Ribes alpinum

Nature Hills Nursery

Extremely Winter Hardy Alpine Currant Thrives in Full Sun to Deep Shade
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 2-7
Grows 3-5 ft Tall, 5-6 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant
Showy Yellow, Green Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$72⁵⁹

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub is incredibly versatile and thrives in anything from full sun to full shade. While it stays densest in at least four hours of sun, it is one of the few options that maintains a clean look in deep shade areas where other hedges fail.
Soil: Alpine Currant adapts to almost any ground condition including heavy clay or sandy spots. If your soil is particularly heavy, mix in a few handfuls of compost at planting time to help the roots spread without getting waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

Water your new shrub twice a week during its first growing season to ensure the root system anchors deeply. Once established, the Alpine Currant is remarkably drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during extreme mid-summer heat. If watering is too inconsistent during a drought, the plant may drop its interior leaves early to protect itself from stress.

Pruning Tips

The best time to prune is late winter or very early spring before you see any green buds opening. Since this plant is often used as a formal hedge, you can shear it like a haircut to maintain a specific shape or height. Thinning out a few of the oldest, thickest stems every three years is helpful because it allows light into the center and encourages fresh growth from the base.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the plant begins to wake up. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after July because this encourages soft growth that will not have time to toughen up before the first frost. This timing helps the shrub focus on strengthening its root system and woody structure rather than producing vulnerable new shoots late in the year.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Hedge/Screen, Deer-resistant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Flowering, Fragrant, Self-pollinating
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-5 ft
Width	5-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow, Green
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Ribes alpinum
Species	alpinum
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alpine Currant legal to plant in my area due to white pine blister rust restrictions?

Alpine Currant planting restrictions vary by state due to white pine blister rust concerns, as Ribes species can serve as alternate hosts. Many states have lifted historical bans, but some maintain restrictions near white pine forests. Check with your local extension office or state agriculture department for current regulations in your area.

Does the Alpine Currant Bush I'm buying produce fruit, or is it male-only?

Our growers primarily propagate male Alpine Currant plants, which don't produce fruit but show better rust resistance. Since these shrubs are dioecious, you'd need both male and female plants for berry production. For reliable fruiting, consider ordering multiple plants from naturehills.com.

When and how should I prune my Alpine Currant Bush?

Prune Alpine Currant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This hardy shrub tolerates heavy pruning well due to its dense branching habit. Trim lightly for natural shape or shear more aggressively for formal hedging. Remove any dead or crossing branches first.

What pests or diseases commonly affect Alpine Currant, like anthracnose or leaf spot?

Alpine Currant is remarkably disease-resistant, though it can occasionally develop rust issues. Male plants show better rust resistance than females. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent problems.

Are the Alpine Currant Bushes bare-root or potted when shipped?

Alpine Currant bushes from Nature Hills arrive as healthy potted plants, not bare-root. This allows for flexible planting timing throughout the growing season rather than being limited to dormant seasons. Shop at Nature Hills for container-grown shrubs that establish quickly in your landscape.

Can Alpine Currant tolerate full shade or only partial sun?

Alpine Currant thrives in both full shade and partial sun conditions, making it exceptionally versatile for challenging garden spots. This tough shrub is specifically recommended for older neighborhoods with mature trees where shade is common. Plant it confidently under tree canopies or on the north side of structures.

What fertilizing or winter care does Alpine Currant require?

Alpine Currant is extremely low-maintenance and requires minimal fertilizing or winter care due to its exceptional hardiness. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient, though it thrives in poor soils without feeding. No winter protection is needed as this tough shrub handles harsh conditions naturally.

Alpine Currant Bush

Ribes alpinum