Ribes speciosum
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FUCHSIA FLOWERING GOOSEBERRY
Family: Grossulariaceae
Pronounced: RYE-beez spee-see-OH-sum
GROWING GUIDE
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Geographic Origin:
California.
Plant Group:
Evergreen shrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 7-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 7-9.
Mature size:
Height: 6 feet (2 m).
Width: 6 feet (2 m).
Flowering period:
Mid to late spring.
Flowering attributes:
Dark red, bell-shaped flowers.
Leaf attributes:
3 to 5 lobed, glossy, dark green leaves.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Well-drained, humus rich soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed as soon as ripe and place in cold frame in autumn. | Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pruning Methods:
Prune after flowering is finished, when neccessary.
Rainy Side Notes
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Ribes speciosum with its wicked prickles and beautiful fountain shape makes an excellent barrier plant. When pruning, I advise wearing body armor. The California native will grow in pure sand to clay soil as long as it is well-drained, although it grows better planted in humus rich soil. It is drought tolerant once established. The California fuchsia will die back to the ground when temperatures dip down below 12°F.
Plant this shrub for hummingbirds and butterflies and watch them stake a claim over the shrub. Ribes speciosum is considered deer resistant. Choose the plant location carefully so that you can see the shrub in early spring. However, keep it well away from walkways, where you will not tangle with its thorns. The fruit is edible raw or cooked, although I have not tried the fruit to report on its taste.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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