Pixwell Gooseberry

Pixwell Gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum 'Pixwell')

Pixwell Gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum 'Pixwell') is a hardy, productive gooseberry cultivar prized for its light green to pink fruit, thorn-tolerant growth, and adaptability to cold climates. A longtime favorite in northern gardens, Pixwell provides excellent yields of tart-to-sweet berries for fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

Distinctive Features

This upright, arching shrub typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded habit with moderate branching and sparse thorns. In midsummer, it produces light green berries that blush to soft pink when fully ripe. Fruit hangs below the branches, making it easy to harvest�hence the name �Pixwell� (picked well). Berries have a mildly tart flavor when young and sweeten as they mature. Plants are self-pollinating and highly cold-hardy.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soil enriched with organic matter
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers even moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in fruit gardens or edible borders
• Berries for pies, sauces, preserves, or fresh snacking
• Cold-climate fruit production in northern zones
• Pollinator-friendly landscapes with edible benefits
• Low hedge or ornamental shrub with seasonal interest

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune annually to improve air circulation and encourage new wood
• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fruit fertilizer
• Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting if needed
• Monitor for powdery mildew or sawflies in humid conditions

Why Choose Pixwell Gooseberry

• Cold-hardy and dependable even in northern gardens
• Fruit ripens to a soft pink with sweet-tart flavor
• Compact form fits well in edible landscapes and borders
• Self-pollinating and easy to harvest from below branches
• A resilient, productive focal point for home fruit growers

Pixwell Gooseberry offers easy care, cold tolerance, and flavorful fruit�making it a practical and attractive focal point for edible landscapes, northern gardens, and multi-use plantings.