Is Golden currant good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Golden currant is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Golden currant?

Space Golden currant about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Golden currant hardy on the Front Range?

Golden currant is hardy in USDA 2 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Golden currant need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

How fast does Golden currant grow?

Golden currant is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

What color does Golden currant turn in fall?

Golden currant turns red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.

How long does Golden currant bloom?

Golden currant blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Golden currant

Ribes aureum

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 5 to 8 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fragrant yellow flowers in early spring; edible currants in summer; red fall color. Triple-duty native.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water5 to 8 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Carolyn Koehn, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) Carolyn Koehn, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: (c) peganum, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo 4: no rights reserved

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 2 to 8
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: moderate
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 5 to 8 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early spring, mid spring
Bloom color: yellow
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Fall color: Red, orange, yellow
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: foothills, riparian

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Water weekly first summer. Tolerates clay and a wide pH range, easy native.

Fruit: edible.

Frequently asked questions

Is Golden currant good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Golden currant is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Golden currant get?: It matures to about 5 to 8 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Golden currant?: Space Golden currant about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Golden currant hardy on the Front Range?: Golden currant is hardy in USDA 2 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Golden currant need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
How fast does Golden currant grow?: Golden currant is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
What color does Golden currant turn in fall?: Golden currant turns red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Golden currant native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does Golden currant bloom?: Golden currant blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.