An educational awards program of the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden

Ribes sanguineumWhite Icicle

white flowering currant

Image © Janet Loughrey

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Outstanding Qualities A cultivar of the native Ribes sanguineum, ‘White Icicle’ was selected for its white flowers in early spring and blue-black berries in summer. Drought-tolerant once established, this deciduous shrub is a staple in the Northwest woodland garden. Grow it with Hosta ‘June’ and Geranium x riversleaianum ‘Mavis Simpson’.
Culture ‘White Icicle’ flowers best when planted in full sun, but it also grows well in part shade. It is grows fastest with water during summer dry spells, but it is also drought tolerant once established. Do not grow currants in poorly drained soil or with excessive fertilizer: these conditions promote root rot.
Growing Habit Spreading eight feet high and six feet wide, ‘White Icicle’ has a compact, arching, and upright habit.
Hardiness USDA zones 6 to 9