Fuchsia Flowering Gooseberry

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 5:26pm — Cristine Mortensen

Photo Credit:

Vera Kark, PADG

Botanical Name:

Ribes speciosum

Pronunciation:

RIE-bees spes-ee-OH-sum

Common Name:

Fuchsia Flowering Gooseberry

Plant Type:

Shrub

Mature Size:

4-8 ft tall x 6-10 ft wide

Water Requirements:

Very Low: water deeply several times a summer

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun, shade

Flower Color :

Red

Wildlife:

Attracts hummingbirds

This California native is a large, spiny shrub that can exist with no summer irrigation. In our experience, Ribes speciosum will go fully dormant during the summer, therefore it's not recommended as a summer focal plant. As soon as the winter rains begin, the plant will unfold glossy green leaves and fuchsia-like red flowers that bloom all winter. The flowers that hang along the undersides of the long arching branches are loved by hummingbirds.

Because of the spiny branches this shrub should be kept away from walks. It does makes a formidable barrier.