Ribes laurifolium (Laurel-leaved currant)

Botanical name

Ribes laurifolium

Other names

Laurel-leaved currant

Genus

Ribes Ribes

Species

R. laurifolium - R. laurifolium is a spreading, evergreen shrub with oblong leaves and pendant racemes of yellow-green flowers, sometimes followed by red fruits which ripen to black.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Foliage is aromatic.

Habit

Bushy

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Yellow, Green, Cream in Spring; Yellow, Green, Cream in Winter

Foliage

Dark-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

Specific diseases

Leaf spot

General care

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Ribes laurifolium (Laurel-leaved currant) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most soils. Best in a sunny or partially shaded position in shelter.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ribes laurifolium (Laurel-leaved currant)

Common pest name

Japanese fruit scale; Mulberry scale; White peach scale

Scientific pest name

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Scale insect which in favourable conditions may kill trees. There have been a number of findings in the UK but some uncertainty about whether the pest is established. Stakeholder organisations may wish to monitory for its presence.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Ribes laurifolium (Laurel-leaved currant)

Common pest name

Japanese rust of white pine; Japanese white pine rust

Scientific pest name

Cronartium kamtschaticum

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

A species of confused taxonomy that is considered to be synomynous with the European species Cronartium ribicola; and is unlikely to cause more damage than this species if introduced. Statutory action will be taken on findings on plant material of non-European origin in line with current EU regulations.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Ribes laurifolium (Laurel-leaved currant)

Common pest name

Cherry rasp leaf (in part) (European); Gooseberry leaf distortion; Lloyd George raspberry yellow blotch disease; Pfeffinger disease of cherry; Redcurrant ringspot; Ringspot diseases of raspberry; strawberry and flowering currant; RRSV; Spoon leaf of redcurrant (Netherlands)

Scientific pest name

Raspberry ringspot virus

Type

Virus or Viroid

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Pest present in the UK; risk of spread is mitigated by industry certification scheme.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/