Ribes 'Elkington's White'

Ribes are very interesting and popular deciduous shrubs used for their edible fruits and medicinal properties for hundreds of years. Elkington’s White is a recently introduced variety that forms a dense bush with striking white flowers and pleasant green foliage. This Ribes plant is tough and durable, it is self-fertile and native to North-west America. Their loose upright growing habit makes a perfect specimen shrub.

Ribes Elkington’s White blooms flowers in spring and provides berries in summer, hence it adds long seasonal interest to any garden. It produces thick green buds that open into very showy white flowers in pendent clusters. Its rich green leaves are slightly aromatic and have a stunning appearance that will add ornamental value in borders.

In summer, blue-black fruits will follow the faded flowers. Unlike its cousins, Elkington’s White is not thorny, hence making the cultivation of the fruit easy.

This plant will best perform in full sunlight and has its ability to fruit in semi-shade is remarkable. It can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as they are well-drained regularly. In prolonged dry periods, water it moderately since it is shallow rooted.

Prune Ribes Elkington’s White only if required, immediately after the flowering. These are hardy plants, tolerant of late winter frost.

Their thorn-less stems make them wonderful informal flowering hedges. Ribes Elkington’s White is ideal for the back of a border in full sun or partial shade. Its fruits make delicious jams and jellies. These flowering plants grow carefree once established and provide multi-season garden interest.