Ribes speciosum 'Pincushion'

Common Name:
Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry
Plant Type:
Deciduous shrub
Family:
Grossulariaceae (The Gooseberry Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes
Plant Size:
2 feet high, 3 feet wide
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Winter and spring
Flower Color:
Red
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil
Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less
This compact selection of a wickedly spiny shrub stays under 2 feet high. The small leaves are roundish and lobed, dark green and shiny on the upper surface. They disappear in summer unless the plant is well-watered, returning in late fall and winter. In late winter and early spring small clusters of pendant tubular, crimson blossoms are displayed all along the past year's stems. This is an ideal candidate for dry shade, it can also be displayed to advantage along low walls. Probably hardy to 10 deg.F or less.