Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

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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

Guides with Ribes - Currants

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