Ribes californicum (California Gooseberry)
California Gooseberry, Hillside Gooseberry
Ribes californicum (California Gooseberry) is a large, refined, deciduous shrub with numerous spiny stems clad with small, somewhat rounded, three-lobed shiny green leaves. In winter to early spring, a profusion of delicate red and white flowers appear in drooping clusters of 1 to 3 in the leaf axils. Particularly attractive, they feature five white or pink petals, five upwardly-reflexed, white to green sepals with a rosy tinge and five anthers that surround a branched style. They attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. The blossoms give way to red and translucent berries with bristles. Hungry birds feast on them. Endemic to California, California Gooseberry makes an excellent background plant in a bird garden, wildlife habitat, or woodland garden. Avoid planting next to walkways for its spiny stems.
- Grows up to 3-8 ft. tall (90-240 cm) and 2-6 ft. wide (60-180 cm).
- Performs best in part shade in mesic, rocky or sandy, well-drained soils. Water once a week in summer once established.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by cuttings taken in late winter.
- Native to California.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Ribes - Currants |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 72" (60cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | California |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Peganum, Flickr, 123rf
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Ribes - Currants |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 72" (60cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | California |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |