# Types of Gooseberry Plants
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European Gooseberries
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European gooseberries (R. uva-crispa) generally are more flavorful than their American counterparts but, as a class, are more susceptible to mildew, leaf spot and other problematic diseases. Newer cultivars, such as Colossal, are more resistant to diseases than their predecessors. European varieties make up for their less-hardy ancestry with larger, tastier fruit and higher yields. Invicta, although popular, has mild-tasting fruit. Careless produces well, while the yellow, slightly fuzzy fruit of Early Sulfur and the red fruit of Fredonia have quality flavor.
American Gooseberries
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While hardier than European gooseberries, older American gooseberries often were smaller and lacked vibrant flavor. Their health, however, ensured good production over a long period. Growers selected the best of original strains to improve flavor and size. Modern varieties are flavorful and productive, although many still grow smaller than European gooseberries. Poorman is a larger variety with good resilience. Oregon Champion produces fruit that retains color and taste when processed.
Cultivation
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Stressed gooseberry shrubs suffer leaf drop. All gooseberry varieties prefer cooler climates and rapidly decline in hot, dry locations. While hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 4 -- even zone 2 for some cultivars -- late frosts often damage the early blooms. Give gooseberries a northern exposure to prevent early blooming, and choose locations with afternoon shade to prevent sunscald in hotter gardens. Most gooseberries are adaptable, but their relatively shallow root system limits their ability to handle drought, so plan on supplemental irrigation.
Cape Gooseberry
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Cape gooseberries are more popular overseas than within the United States. Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is from an entirely different family than traditional gooseberries and prefers warmer climates, such as Hawaii or India, rather than cooler altitudes. The plant shares similarities with standard gooseberries; it has wide, pointed leaves and small fruit with longitudinal stripes. The fruit, however, ripens within a papery, inedible husk. Cape gooseberries remain a rare novelty in North America, partly because of their climate restrictions and short productive life.
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