Evergreen Currant
Ribes viburnifolium
Also known as Santa Catalina Island Currant, Catalina Perfume
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen shrub native to California with glossy, leathery foliage and small reddish flowers followed by dark berries. Excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and as a groundcover in Mediterranean gardens.
Why grow it
Ribes viburnifolium offers reliable evergreen structure in California native landscapes where many drought-tolerant shrubs are deciduous, making it useful for year-round screening or groundcover in full sun to partial shade. Compared to other native currants, its glossy foliage and compact habit provide more ornamental appeal with minimal water once established, though it produces smaller berries than some species.
Watch out for
This plant prefers excellent drainage and may struggle in heavy clay or consistently moist soils, so amend accordingly in wetter microclimates. Young plants benefit from occasional deep watering during their first growing season to establish a strong root system, after which irrigation can be greatly reduced.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Santa Rosa is a popular selection known for vigorous spreading growth and improved ornamental appeal.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen shrub native to California with glossy, leathery foliage and small reddish flowers followed by dark berries. Excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and as a groundcover in Mediterranean gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Evergreen Currant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ribes viburnifolium offers reliable evergreen structure in California native landscapes where many drought-tolerant shrubs are deciduous, making it useful for year-round screening or groundcover in full sun to partial shade. Compared to other native currants, its glossy foliage and compact habit provide more ornamental appeal with minimal water once established, though it produces smaller berries than some species.
Watch out for
This plant prefers excellent drainage and may struggle in heavy clay or consistently moist soils, so amend accordingly in wetter microclimates. Young plants benefit from occasional deep watering during their first growing season to establish a strong root system, after which irrigation can be greatly reduced.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Santa Rosa is a popular selection known for vigorous spreading growth and improved ornamental appeal.