Ribes speciosum

Fuchsia-Flowering Gooseberry

These deciduous and evergreen shrubs are grown for their flowers, foliage or edible fruit, which attracts birds. Spineless types are called currants, the others are called gooseberries. Ribes are host to a destructive rust that attacks 5-needled pines, so several states forbid them. Before you plant Ribes, check with state authorities to see if they have been outlawed. Start from seed or cuttings. Give shade and some supplemental water when planted away from the coast.

This excellent spiny barrier plant is evergreen with some summer water and planted against a south or west wall. Drooping reddish flowers are fuchsia-like. Red berries are gummy and bristly.

Attributes - Ribes speciosum

Plant Type: Shrub

Bloom Season: Mid Winter through Early Summer

Flower Color: Red

Foliage: Semi-Deciduous

Height: 3 ft. to 6 ft.

Width: 6 ft.

Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun

Climate: Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Notes: Thrives in Dry Climates. Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Rust.

Related Plants

Ribes sanguineum

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