Factsheet F35: Ribes the currant & gooseberry family
£1.50
There are several hundred species of Ribes, the family having a world-wide distribution, with most temperate and continental climate regions having species of use, notably for edible fruits.
Most Ribes species are easily grown, preferring a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. They are quite tolerant of shade though not fruiting so well there.
Many species can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of certain pine trees, particularly in North America. Plants in this genus are also notably susceptible to honey fungus.