Plant of the week: Ribes sanguineum

Some may hate them for their gaudiness (and their smell – think nasty cats and you’re not far off) but for sheer joie de vivre, the likes of ‘Pulborough Scarlet’ take some beating.

These are deciduous and quick-growing shrubs, usually heading upwards rather than outwards, so some grow a few together to form a hedge.

If it is pruned well, it can be quite symmetrical; otherwise, it’s just a bit relaxed. If in doubt, trim it lightly after flowering.

Ribes can grow anywhere, in just about any soil and any situation, although they do prefer sun to shade.

To propagate, simply pull off a few heeled pieces and stick them in a pot of compost; the likelihood is that you’ll soon have a garden full of them.

If you don’t like violent red, there are ribes in other colours – notably white and a more delicate deep red.