Siberian Currant: A Lesser-Known Shrub Worth Considering (Or Not?)
Meet Ribes diacanthum, better known as Siberian currant – a perennial shrub that’s made its way from its native Siberian homeland to parts of North America. If you’re scratching your head wondering whether this plant deserves a spot in your garden, you’re not alone. This currant species flies pretty far under the radar in most gardening circles.
What Is Siberian Currant?
Siberian currant is a multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, though it can occasionally stretch taller under the right conditions. Like other members of the Ribes family, it’s a perennial that comes back year after year, developing multiple stems that arise from or near ground level.
Where Does It Grow?
This currant species is a non-native plant that has established itself in Manitoba, Canada, where it now reproduces on its own in the wild. Originally hailing from Siberia (hence the name), it has adapted to life in North American climates.
The Garden Reality Check
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Siberian currant might sound intriguing, there’s surprisingly little information available about its garden performance, care requirements, or even its visual appeal. This lack of documentation is actually pretty telling – it suggests this isn’t a plant that’s caught the attention of gardeners or researchers in a big way.
Should You Plant It?
Given the limited information available about Ribes diacanthum’s:
- Growing requirements
- Hardiness zones
- Wildlife benefits
- Potential invasive tendencies
You might want to think twice before adding it to your landscape. When a plant species has so little documented garden experience, you’re essentially signing up to be a test gardener – which can be exciting for some, but frustrating for others.
Better Alternatives: Native Currants
Instead of gambling on Siberian currant, consider these well-documented native alternatives that offer proven garden performance:
- American black currant (Ribes americanum) – Excellent for wildlife, fragrant flowers
- Wild gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) – Edible berries, attractive foliage
- Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) – Stunning pink flowers, hummingbird magnet
These native species come with the added benefits of supporting local ecosystems, being well-adapted to regional growing conditions, and having plenty of cultivation information available.
The Bottom Line
While Siberian currant isn’t necessarily a bad plant, it’s one of those species that exists in a gardening gray area. Without clear information about its invasive potential, garden performance, or ecological benefits, it’s hard to recommend it over the many fantastic native currant species that are readily available and well-understood.
Sometimes the most interesting garden choices are the ones that come with a full roadmap for success – and unfortunately, Ribes diacanthum just doesn’t offer that level of guidance yet.
