can i grow a ribes speciosum against a north facing fence?

I don't think they would like a north-facing position, unless it was very, very sheltered and even then the poor shrub would struggle to produce flowers. It is not a specially hardy shrub, and does need sun.

Thanks. I bought one anyway and have found room on the south facing fence. Heres hoping it will look as good as the one I saw at te weekend; in a few years time of course!

mine is in quite deep shade and is doing really well.

That's a surprise, Sbg - just shows that ref. books can get it wrong!

I will just need to take a few cuttings and try it out on both!

Any advice on how to take cuttings from this?

RHS book says to root hardwood cuttings in winter.

I read it again to check - it definitely says that this shrub is borderline hardy and need a sunny wall position!

I reckon that Sbg is lucky - or has the 'magic touch'! lol.

I noticed that there was a piece broken off the plant so I have potted it up and see what happens - nothing to lose eh!

I will keep you posted.

OK. Interesting!