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


The gooseberry illustrated is round, hairy and red-skinned. Pomona Britannica pl.6, 1812.

Ribes grossularia ‘Alcock's Duke of York’ | PB pl.6/1812.  This hairy, red, round gooseberry is probably very similar to Ironmonger.

 

More details about Ribes grossularia ‘Ironmonger’
Family Grossulariaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, England

Synonyms
  • Hairy Black

 

Common Name

Dessert Gooseberry

Name in the Camden Park Record

Gooseberry Ironmonger

 

 

Confidence level high