1. Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry – Ribes speciosum
(RYE-bees spee-see-OH-sum)
Family: Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family)
Native to: Coastal areas, canyons from central CA to Baja CA. Chaparral, Costal Sage Scrub.
Woody shrub
mature height: 3-6 ft (to 12 ft)
mature width: to 6 ft.
Shrub with an open growth habit. Stems have many spines. Drought-deciduous without supplemental
summer water. Leaves are glossy, dark green; turn red with drought or cold.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Jan-May. Flowers, fruit & foliage very showy. Fruit is edible.
Uses in the garden: Often used as screen or barrier. Good on banks and slopes. Dramatic specimen
plant. Good addition to hummingbird and fragrance gardens. Does well with Toyon and Coast Live
Oak. Should do fine in large pots or planters.
Dramatic as an espalier!
Sensible substitute for: non-native berry bushes; shrubs used as screen plants.
Attracts: bees, butterflies and hummingbirds; berry-eating birds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (coastal) ½ to full shade (away from coast); fine under trees, N side of
buildings
Any well-drained; best with rich humus content
Moderate water to keep evergreen; use organic mulches
Add humus to soil
Needs good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases
Management: prune out dead branches (won’t be many) and to shape after flowing finishes. Very
spiny – wear protective clothing. Do not use overhead watering (if possible) and check for fungal
disease in winter (prune out dead material immediately).
Propagation: from seed: in spring. Pick berries as soon as they ripen. Extract seeds by soaking for a
week, pressing the “mush” through a strainer. From cuttings: hardwood, semi-softwood and layering
(probably best) all work. Late fall; use rooting hormone.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 10, 12-14
12/13/10
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