Gooseberry 'Invicta' – Self-Fertile Fruit Bush (2L Pot)

'Invicta' is the gooseberry most growers reach for first: vigorous, reliable and very heavy cropping.

It carries large, pale green berries that cook beautifully into pies, crumbles and jam, and sweeten enough to eat fresh if left on the bush a little longer. Its real strength is disease resistance. PLANT FACTS records 'Invicta' as one of the best varieties for standing up to American gooseberry mildew, so it earns its place in a damp British summer.

One bush is enough, as gooseberries are self fertile. Plant in full sun or partial shade, allowing about 1.2 to 1.5 metres between bushes so air can move around them. Prune in winter to an open goblet shape, taking out anything dead, damaged or crossing. Mulch in spring and feed with a general fertiliser as growth starts. The bush is spreading and thorny, so give it room and wear gloves when picking.

Supplied as an established bush in a 2 litre pot, ready to plant out or to grow on in a large container. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Gooseberry
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 1.2 to 1.5m tall by 1.2 to 1.5m across
• Growth Habit: Bushy, upright, thorny deciduous shrub
• Perfect For: Fruit gardens, allotments, borders and large containers
• Foliage: Mid-green, lobed, deciduous
• Flowering Time: Spring, small and easily missed
• Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade. Crops well in a large container
• Soil Type: Moist but well drained, enriched with organic matter
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Low. Prune in winter to an open, goblet shaped framework and feed in early spring
• Seasonal Interest: Summer
• Type: Grow your own