Ribes viburnifolium

This species Ribes breaks every rule when it comes to flowering native currants. Evergreen and not deciduous? Check. The leaves being the source of a heavenly fragrance & not the flowers? Check. Very drought tolerant once established & not needing water like other Ribes? Yep. Hailing from Santa Catalina Island & Baja California, where it is found growing in shady areas, this handsome 3' H x 5' W shrub is one tough customer. The dark green foliage has a waxy shine & gives off a wine-like perfume when the foliage is brushed or gets wet. With their red stems, reddish leaf venation & green trim, plants seem to glow a red brick. Small reddish-pink flowers appear in summer. Use this handsome shrub to add texture to a shady bed or use as a dark foliage contrast to lighter shades. Slow growing but will reach a mature size in 3-4 years. Long lived, this valuable native will be around for years to come. Attracts hummers!