Native to the beautiful foothill oak woodlands, pine forests, and chaparral throughout California, chaparral currant is an evergreen member of the gooseberry family. This fast-growing shrub is hardy and low-maintenance, tolerating a variety of soil types. It is known to be deer resistant—a bonus for gardeners who often see their efforts disappear overnight from Bambi and friends. With a blooming season in spring and winter, it adds rosy color to native gardens in the holiday season. Its bright pink flowers are hummingbird magnets with a sweet, pleasant aroma. They produce purple berries you can eat—their flavor is not very sweet, but they are fun to try!
Growth Form: Shrub that grows 5-8 ft tall and 5 ft wide
Light: Shade, part sun
Water: Deep water 1x per month
Soil: Well-draining loam, silt, clay
Hardiness: USDA zones 8-10, Sunset zones 7-9 and 14-24
Type: Perennial