Is Wax currant good for the Colorado Front Range?

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

What should I know before planting Wax currant?

The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.

How far apart do I plant Wax currant?

Space Wax currant about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Wax currant hardy on the Front Range?

Wax 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 Wax currant need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Wax currant grow?

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

Is Wax currant deer-resistant?

Wax currant is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

Is Wax currant a good hedge plant?

Yes, as an informal hedge. Wax currant works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.

Back to the plant finder

Wax currant

Ribes cereum

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

Wax currant (Ribes cereum) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 5 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers partial shade. Pink-white tube flowers attract hummingbirds; red waxy fruits sparse, bird food only.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3 to 5 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: "File:Wax currant Ribes cereum N of Forester Pass.jpg" by Dcrjsr is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0.
Photo 2: "Ribes cereum - south of Tumalo Park" by UpdateNerd is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en/.
Photo 3: "Ribes cereum bush-4-19-04" by Thayne Tuason is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
Photo 4: (c) Christine Laney, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 5: "Ribes cereum" by mmmavocado is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 6: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 2 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in partial shade.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: moderate
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: low
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control, Dry shade under conifers

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3 to 5 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~4 ft apart (3 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Deciduous

What it will do to your yard

Hedge use: Informal hedge or screen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: foothills, montane

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.

Planting & establishment

Drought-tolerant CO native; tolerates dry shade under pines.

Pruning: light.
Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).

Frequently asked questions

Is Wax currant good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Wax currant is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Wax currant?: The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
How big does Wax currant get?: It matures to about 3 to 5 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Wax currant?: Space Wax currant about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Wax currant hardy on the Front Range?: Wax 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 Wax currant need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Wax currant grow?: Wax currant is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Wax currant native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Wax currant deer-resistant?: Wax currant is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
Is Wax currant a good hedge plant?: Yes, as an informal hedge. Wax currant works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.