Ribes Speciosum

3 Litre Pot

• RHS: Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun / Partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Flowering Period: March – May
• Growth Rate: Medium / Fast
• Hardiness: H4
• Eventual Height: 2 metres
• Eventual Spread: 2 metres

Ribes Speciosum, also known as ‘Fuchsia Flowered Gooseberry’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is an upright, spiny, deciduous shrub that is native to California. It is known for its striking, pendulous clusters of deep pink to fuchsia coloured flowers that bloom in the Spring. This plant is not only beautiful but also it is one of the most hardy, drought-tolerant and easy to grow gooseberries.

The Ribes Speciosum cultivar is a compact, upright grower that reaches a height and spread of about 2 metres. Its green leaves are glossy and simple, and are a great backdrop for the profuse clusters of deep pink to fuchsia coloured flowers that appear in late Spring. The flowers are followed by inedible berries.

This plant is great for small gardens, borders, or for mass planting as hedging. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s also drought tolerant once established.

In terms of care, this is low-maintenance and easy to grow. It can be pruned in late Winter or early Spring to control its size and shape. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for organic gardening.

How to care for your Ribes Speciosum

• Plant in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
• Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting, to establish a deep root system. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant.
• Prune in late winter or early spring to control size and shape, remove any damaged or diseased wood.
• Fertilise with a balanced fertiliser in the Spring.

With the proper care, it will grow into a beautiful, low-maintenance shrub with glossy green leaves and profuse clusters of deep pink to fuchsia coloured flowers in the Spring for years to come.