Classic, yet unusual fruit shrubs for your garden

By Bob Eister

OSU master gardener volunteer

Ribes are a genus of woody shrubs that produce a tasty, tart fruit that is usually made into jams and jellies. Gooseberries and currants are two closely related species of these shrubs that reach a height of 3-6 feet when mature. They are easy to grow. Some cultivars may have moderately thorny canes. Most ribes are considered cold-hardy and grow well in USDA hardness zones 4 to 6. Jostaberry is a black currant-gooseberry cross. These are vigorous and thornless, growing up to 5 feet tall. These are disease-resistant and the large fruit has a mild, black currant flavor.

Ribes were popular in the 1800s, but fell into a specialty category of fruit until 1966 due to a fear they helped to spread the white pine blister rust plant disease. This disease is not a significant problem in most areas. Ribes are now making a comeback in upscale restaurants and are prized for use in their sauces, pies and juice for winemaking.

Planting and harvesting: Most ribes like to grow in cool, moist, partially shaded sites. As with all fruit, they must have well-drained soils, though. They are very tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH. They usually do well on less than perfect sites. Well established plants can bear fruit for 15 years or more. Many cultivars are available, some with and without thorns.

“Invicta” is perhaps the best green-fruited variety. The berries have a good flavor and are the size of small plums.

“Josta” is a black currant and American gooseberry hybrid. Plants are tall and thornless, tending not to branch, but requiring a lot of space by maturity. Better for home gardens.

“Poorman” is vigorous and productive, not as thorny as some others. Fruits are small and pink, and mature earlier than those of “Downing.” Eating quality is excellent when fruit is fully ripe. Good choice for home use.

The Pixwell cultivar is what I have growing in my garden. The fruit grows to light green marble-size that changes to red when ripe. You must be careful when harvest time comes in early July, because of some thorns and the fact that the birds will try to beat you to them. I suggest netting the bushes. You can expect to get 5 pounds of fruit per bush, or the equivalent of 5 quarts!

Plants should be pruned in the dormant season of late winter to early spring. Prune them to open up the top of the plants to make picking easier.

Ribes are long living, produce edible fruit, are attractive to wildlife and have ornamental value. They are fun to grow and your neighbors will wonder what you are up to now!

For more information, visit go.osu.edu/plantribes.