Gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta' (C/d)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Invicta' gooseberry is a deciduous shrub characterized by its broad and spreading habit, with robust branches stemming from the base. The leaves are deeply lobed, with a somewhat rounded shape and a slightly hairy texture, giving the foliage a soft appearance. They are a rich green color, providing a lush backdrop for the fruit and flowers. In spring, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are usually white or pale green. These modest blossoms might not catch the eye at first glance but are vital for the development of the gooseberry fruit. The star attraction of 'Invicta' gooseberry is the fruit it bears. The berries are large and, when ripe, have a pale green to yellowish hue with a translucent skin that often bears a delicate veining pattern. They dangle from the branches singly or in pairs, sometimes creating quite a show when they are abundant. The surface of the berries is smooth, with a plump and juicy appearance. They hold a delightful balance between sweetness and tartness, which makes them popular for both fresh eating and culinary uses, such as in pies and jams. The contrast between the fruit and the foliage can be quite striking, especially when the berries are at the peak of ripeness, nestled among the leaves on the arching branches. Overall, 'Invicta' gooseberry has an attractive, fruitful presence in the garden, with its combination of pleasing foliage, subtle flowers, and tempting fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Grossulariaceae
Synonyms
Gooseberry Invicta, Invicta Gooseberry
Common names
Ribes grossularia ‘Invicta’, Ribes uva-crispa var. reclinatum ‘Invicta’.
ToxicityTo humans
Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta') is not considered toxic to humans when consumed in its ripe fruit form. However, parts of the plant such as leaves, stems, and unripe berries may contain small amounts of potentially irritating substances. If ingested in large quantities, these plant parts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but such cases are rare and typically not severe. The ripe berries are commonly eaten without any adverse effects.
To pets
Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta') is also not typically toxic to pets. However, like in humans, ingestion of large quantities of leaves, stems, or unripe berries could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in animals including vomiting or diarrhea. The ripe fruit is generally not harmful to pets, but as with any plant material, it should be offered in moderation to avoid any potential digestive issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- High Fruit Yield: Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta' is known for its prolific production of large, tasty fruits.
- Resilience to Pests: The 'Invicta' cultivar exhibits good resistance to common pests like aphids and powdery mildew.
- Ease of Harvest: Thanks to its relatively spineless branches, picking the fruit is easier and more comfortable compared to other varieties.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding colder climates, which is beneficial for gardeners in cooler regions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Fruit Season: The plant bears fruit over a long season, providing a consistent supply of gooseberries.
- Edible Landscaping: Its attractive foliage and structure make it suitable for ornamental use as well as for fruit production.
- Soil Adaptability: 'Invicta' can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Versatility in Cooking: Gooseberries from this plant can be used in multiple culinary applications, including pies, jams, and sauces.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gooseberries like Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta' can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, utilizing the skins and pulp for shades of pink and purple.
- The thorny branches can be placed strategically in gardens as a deterrent against garden pests and small animals that might otherwise nibble on vegetables.
- The plant can act as a "nurse plant" in permaculture systems, providing shelter and a beneficial microclimate for tender plants during their establishment phase.
- Dried gooseberry leaves have been used in the creation of unique, aromatic blends of herbal tea, adding a fruity undertone to the flavor profile.
- Gooseberry bushes can serve as a living fence or hedge, offering a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing boundary for yards and property lines.
- The pectin-rich fruit can be used as a natural vegan gelling agent in preparing desserts like jellies, jams, and marmalades.
- Used in crafting, gooseberry stems can be woven into baskets or used as a natural material for wreath making during the fall season.
- In bird-friendly gardens, gooseberry bushes provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, while the fruit serves as a food source when ripe.
- Gooseberry leaves can be mulched and added to compost piles to enrich the soil with organic material and trace nutrients as they decompose.
- The plant's deep rooting system is beneficial for soil structure and erosion control, making it useful for planting on slopes and banks to prevent soil loss.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gooseberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gooseberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: The Gooseberry plant takes time to bear fruit, symbolizing the need for patience in growth and reward.
- Protection: With its thorny branches, the Gooseberry is often associated with protection and the safekeeping of loved ones.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, gooseberries are tied to prosperity and abundance, perhaps because of their numerous fruits.
WaterGooseberry 'Invicta' should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is roughly every week during the growing season, but may vary based on weather conditions. Use about 1-2 gallons of water for each plant, ensuring it reaches the root zone without waterlogging the soil. During the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil become completely dry. The goal is to maintain a consistent level of moisture without overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightGooseberry 'Invicta' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Too much shade may reduce fruiting, so choose a spot that is well-lit to ensure healthy growth and a good crop.
TemperatureGooseberry 'Invicta' is hardy in a range of temperatures and can withstand winter lows down to 10°F. The ideal temperature for growing gooseberries is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive temporary extremes outside of this range, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85°F or below 10°F can be harmful to the plant.
PruningPrune Gooseberry 'Invicta' annually during the dormant season to maintain an open bush form which promotes air circulation and reduces disease incidence. Remove dead or diseased wood, crossing branches, and a few of the oldest stems to encourage new growth and larger fruit. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGooseberry 'Invicta' thrives in a well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A preferred soil pH range for gooseberries including 'Invicta' is between 6.0 and 6.5. Regular mulching will help maintain soil moisture and add beneficial nutrients over time.
RepottingGooseberry 'Invicta' plants grown in containers should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth. Avoid frequent repotting as these plants prefer to establish themselves.
Humidity & MistingGooseberry 'Invicta' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require a specific humidity to thrive. Normal outdoor humidity conditions are generally suitable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Invicta' gooseberry in a sunny spot with good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant 'Invicta' gooseberry in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleRibes uva-crispa 'Invicta', commonly known as "gooseberry Invicta," begins its life as a seed, which after stratification in cold temperatures, germinates in the spring. The plant then establishes a root system and sends up shoots, entering a vegetative state where leaves develop to enable photosynthesis. As it matures, gooseberry Invicta develops woody stems and foliage, and by the second or third year, it begins to flower, typically in early spring. The flowers are fertilized, often by insects, which leads to the production of the characteristic green, hairy fruits that turn yellowish-green when ripe. After fruiting, usually around mid-summer, the plant goes into a period of dormancy during colder months, shedding leaves and conserving energy. Each year the cycle repeats, with the plant flowering and fruiting as it grows larger and stronger, often living and producing fruit for 15 years or more.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta', commonly known as Gooseberry 'Invicta', is by hardwood cuttings. This is typically done during the dormant season, which is late fall to late winter. To do this, one would select healthy, mature stems from the current year's growth and cut them into segments about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, making sure each cutting has at least two to three buds. The bottom cut should be made just below a bud, and the top cut just above a bud to maximize potential growth. The cuttings should then be planted in a mixture of soil and compost with two-thirds of their length buried in the ground and spaced about 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart. The cuttings will benefit from a location that receives morning sun and has well-drained soil. With the proper care, these cuttings will root and can be transplanted to their final location the following fall.
