Garden Care Guide

Ribes multiflorum Care

Ribes multiflorum

A hardy shrub grown for its long flower clusters and red fruit that likes sun or partial shade. It is quite drought tolerant, but occasional watering in summer is beneficial for the best yield.

Hardy · -30 °C / -22 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Fertilizing: A layer of well-rotted manure or compost can be spread over the soil; do not overapply.
  • Pruning: This is the best time for rejuvenation pruning. Cut back 1/4 of the oldest (3-4 year old) branches to the base, and also remove dead and weak branches.
  • Plant protection: Apply dormant mineral oil against overwintering scale insects if needed.
  • General care: Carry out general cleaning.
February
  • Fertilizing: Prepare to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g. NPK 10-10-10).
  • Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
  • Plant protection: Before the buds wake up, apply a copper-based preparation against fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
  • General care: This is a suitable month for planting.
  • Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings from severe frosts.
March
  • Watering: Only for newly planted seedlings, 10-15 L/week if it stays dry; reduce if there is rain.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Plant protection: Check the new shoots for aphids.
  • General care: Retain moisture and suppress weeds by mulching the root zone.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Plant protection: Watch for signs of powdery mildew (white powder).
  • General care: Enjoy the long, drooping flower clusters.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for the larvae of the leaf-eating currant sawfly.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: If needed, a potassium-rich liquid fertilizer may be applied, but do not overfeed.
  • Plant protection: Check for powdery mildew and other leaf diseases.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see holes in the leaves, look for sawfly larvae.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: When the fruits ripen, netting can be laid over them to protect them from birds; the fruits are harvested.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for white, powdery spots on the leaves (powdery mildew). Thinning dense branches to increase airflow slows its spread.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Harvest may continue.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for white, powdery spots on the leaves (powdery mildew). Thinning dense branches to increase airflow slows its spread.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: If the harvest is finished, leave the plant alone.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for white, powdery spots on the leaves (powdery mildew). Thinning dense branches to increase airflow slows its spread.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: After harvest, let the plant go into its rest period.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for white, powdery spots on the leaves (powdery mildew). Thinning dense branches to increase airflow slows its spread.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • General care: It may show autumn coloring; reduce the risk of disease by collecting fallen leaves.
November
  • Plant protection: A general-purpose copper-based preparation can be applied after leaf fall.
  • General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
  • Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings during the first winter.
December
  • Pruning: Rejuvenation and shaping pruning can begin.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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