Ribes x houghtonianum — Edible Plant

Summary

A deciduous shrub growing to 2 m with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Hardy to UK zone 5. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A deciduous shrub growing to 2 m with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Hardy to UK zone 5. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Spain (Ribes rubrum).

Cultivation

Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position. Hardy to about -20°c. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months of cold stratification at 0–5°C and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions seed remains viable for 17 years or more. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame through their first winter, and plant out in late spring the following year. Note that this is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Take cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, in July or August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood from the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, can be taken from November to February in a cold frame or sheltered outdoor bed.