RIBES `RED LAKE`

Plant Type-Edibles,Fruit,Shrub

Hardiness- ZONE 3-8

Mature Size-Height- 3 - 5 Ft Width- 3 -5 Ft

Flower Color - Green Shades,Red Shades

Description- Red Lake' is appealing not only for its fruit but for its compact, mounding habit and glossy green foliage that makes a stand out ornamental shrub. This selection produces long, pendulous clusters of greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in late April and early May. Flowers give way to long, pendant clusters of bright red Currants, which ripen in July. 'Red Lake', although tart, may be eaten ripe off the shrub, but are perhaps more often harvested to make jams, jellies and pies. Currants are very high in vitamin C and cancer preventative antioxidants. Birds of all kinds love the berries and they will fight you for the ripe fruit if the plant is not covered for protection. No serious insect or disease problems plague this easy care plant but good airflow is important to combat the troublesome powdery mildew. 'Red Lake' is not a host for White Pine blister rust.

Attributes-Compact, mounding habit

Glossy green foliage

Excellent ornamental shrub that is easy to care for

Long, pendulous clusters of greenish-yellow flowers

Blooms late April and early May

Bright red Currants ripen in July

Tart berries can be eaten fresh, but are excellent in jams, jellies, and pies

Fruit is high in vitamin C and cancer-preventing antioxidants

Attracts birds