What are Gooseberry?
Gooseberries belong to the genus Ribes, along with currants and some related ornamental shrubs. They are a low-growing bush with fringed leaves that turn a brilliant red in the fall. The bushes will thrive in both light shade and full sun and can be planted to form an edible hedge. The cooler and moister climate of the northern United States is best for gooseberries. They can tolerate extremely low temperatures (zone 3), but cannot survive where summers are extremely hot and dry, such as in the Southwest. Gooseberry varieties fall into two categories: the small fruited but mildew resistant American gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) and the larger European gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa). Most all varieties of gooseberries have long spines, although some are completely thornless. When you’re shopping around for a plant, look for varieties at local garden centers that are disease resistant, well suited to the growing conditions in your area and that are said to have excellent flavor. These days
