Red Gooseberry - Ribes uva-crispa - €8 per plant

Red gooseberry is a spiny shrub native to Europe. It produces clusters of just a few pinkish-yellow flowers and unusual, bristly fruits that look like small, furry grapes. Despite their hairy-bristly covering, the fruits are delicious especially when fully ripe.  They are quite tolerant of shade, although will not bear as much fruit in these conditions. Likewise they do not like very hot conditions, succeeding best in cooler, moist climates, To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com. 

Context

  • native region: Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, ​
  • native habitat: hedges and woodlands, often on the banks of rivers or streams
  • family: Grossulariaceae

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
  • Prefers moist soil 
  • Mulch with compost every spring for optimum yields
  • Water when dry in summer  

​Predators, Pest, Diseases ​
  • Birds love the fruit
​

Caution 

  • ​The fresh leaves contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide. This substance is found in several foods, including almonds. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. 

Overview

  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m
  • In Flower from March to May, and fruits from July to September. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • Self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers moist soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun
  • Prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized deciduous shrub
  • layer : Shrub layer 
  • habit: multi-stemmed, shallow roots  
  • height x width (m): 1.2 x 1

Products 

  • Fruit:If the fruit is allowed to remain on the plant until fully ripe and soft it becomes quite sweet and is delicious for eating raw. 
  • Leaves: Attractive, 3 lobed. Although used medicinally, refer to known hazards.
  • Flowers: small, yellowy green

Functions, behaviours

  • Plants are quite tolerant of shade although do not fruit as well 
  • Leafs out in mid spring 
  • Plants dislike very hot weather​
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project