Ribes grossularia ‘Ironmonger’
A cultivar of Ribes grossularia L. A red gooseberry, cultivated by 1831, although not new at this time [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.178/1831]. ‘Ironmonger’ was only included among Additional Gooseberries Cultivated in this Country.
‘Ironmonger’ is considered a superior variety by Hogg and included among the hairy, round or roundish, red dessert gooseberries.
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Small and roundish. Skin red, and hairy. A first-rate variety, of excellent flavour, but inferior to Red Champagne, which is also known under this name chiefly in Scotland; and from which it is distinguished in having rounder and darker red fruit, and a spreading bush — that of the Red Champagne being erect; leaves downy.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.79 & 84/1860].
The Show Gooseberry Alcock's ‘Duke of York’ is used as illustration. It is probably very similar in appearance to ‘Ironmonger’ [PB pl.6/1812].
History at Camden Park
This gooseberry was requested from George Stevenson, nurseryman of South Australia, in 1844 and probably obtained from him [MP A2933-1, p.21/1844].
Notes
Published Apr 25, 2010 - 02:32 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2011 - 02:51 PM
Ribes grossularia ‘Alcock's Duke of York’ | PB pl.6/1812. This hairy, red, round gooseberry is probably very similar to Ironmonger.
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, England |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Dessert Gooseberry |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Gooseberry Ironmonger
|
| Confidence level | high |