Ribes speciosum
FUCHSIA FLOWERING GOOSEBERRY
Family: Grossulariaceae
Pronounced: RYE-beez spee-see-OH-sum
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Origin:
California.
Plant Group:
Evergreen shrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 7-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 7-9.
Heat zones: 9-7.
Mature size:
Height: 6 feet (2 m).
Width: 6 feet (2 m).
Flowering period:
Mid to late spring.
Flowering attributes:
Dark red, bell-shaped flowers.
Leaf attributes:
3 to 5 lobed, glossy, dark green leaves.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Well-drained, humus rich soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed as soon as ripe and place in cold frame in autumn.
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pruning Methods:
Prune after flowering is finished, when neccessary.
Pests and Diseases:
Mostly disease resistant; however, all ribes can harbor white pine blister rust, so growing near pines is not recommended.
Rainy Side Notes
Ribes speciosum with its wicked prickles and beautiful fountain shape makes an excellent barrier plant. When pruning, I advise wearing body armor. The California native will grow in pure sand to clay soil as long as it is well-drained, although it grows better planted in humus rich soil. It is drought tolerant once established. The California fuchsia will die back to the ground when temperatures dip down below 12°F (-11°C).
Plant this shrub for hummingbirds and butterflies and watch them stake a claim over the shrub. Ribes speciosum is considered deer resistant. Choose the plant location carefully so that you can see the shrub in early spring. However, keep it well away from walkways, where you will not tangle with its thorns. The fruit is edible raw or cooked, although I have not tried the fruit to report on its taste.
Photographed in author's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton