About Ribes speciosum Pursh
Ribes speciosum Pursh is a spreading shrub that reaches a maximum height of 3 metres (9.8 ft). Its stems are covered in bristles, and bear three long spines at each stem node. The leathery leaves are shallowly divided into several lobes, are mostly hairless, and have dark green, shiny upper surfaces. The inflorescence is either a solitary flower, or a raceme holding up to four flowers. Each flower forms a tube composed of gland-studded scarlet sepals, with four red petals inside. The red stamens and stigmas protrude far out from the mouth of the flower, and each can measure up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. The fruit is a red-orange berry around 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long, and is densely covered in glandular bristles. Ribes speciosum is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in drought-tolerant gardens, native plant gardens, and wildlife gardens. It grows best in dappled to bright light, in dry gardens and under oak trees. This plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
