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Post by bluelacedredhead on Jul 17, 2007 17:33:56 GMT -5
oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/riod.htmI have an established Missouri currant bush that is planted in a raised bed beside the garage. There was another bush behind it that died and now the Currant bush looks awkward where it is. I was picking currants today to make jam and was thinking that it really needs to be moved. Best time?? Autumn I'm assuming... What about pruning before hand?? I broke the largest branch (and incidently, the branch with the most fruit) today by accident.) But it will need further pruning. Should I move it in fall and then prune over winter as I normally would do??
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Post by tomc on Jul 17, 2007 19:05:37 GMT -5
Early spring is my first choice, with a fall move the second. Either will work if you can dig up an adaquate ball that you have started incrimentally. Hmmm what does he mean?
When moving an established tree or shrub I like to take a narrow spade and start to make a circle of deep blade cuts to encourage a more compact root ball. In a perfect world I'll have the time to do this a couple times before transplanting. Water it in well after each set of cuts. If you have done a thorough job of this you have what amounts to a free shrub simply setting in its orginal hole.
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Jul 17, 2007 19:49:07 GMT -5
These are prone to sending lots of shoots up elsewhere. It might do it good to have it's roots pruned back. Thanks, I'll follow your instructions as far as trimming it prior to the move.
I got to thinking about the time of year to do this though, and remember years ago, when autumn was always recommended as the time for transplanting, leaving just enough time to heel in the roots before the snow flew and the frost set in the ground? This is an old style bush (which has a tendency to the wild). I think I'm going to attempt to do it this fall instead of waiting til spring.
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Post by tomc on Jul 17, 2007 22:42:48 GMT -5
You sound to be farther south than me (in frosty cow-hampshire) so a fall transplant might work ok for you. I am a creature of my environment.
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Post by redbrick on Jul 19, 2007 7:12:55 GMT -5
Hi Blue.
When I have a shrub to move (and the schedule to work with) I try to move it in early fall, just as the leaves begin to color and drop. My theory is that the topgrowth is finished for the year, but that the roots can still grow and repair damage up to the point that the ground begins to freeze. Tom's rootball advice is also very important and will go a long way to help make your move a success. I had to move my fig tree last month (absolute worst time to do it!) and did the root pruning method he laid out. The tree moved so well, it barely wilted!
BTW, you make me jealous! Where ever did you find a Missouri currant? I didn't think there was a commercial supplier for them!
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Jul 19, 2007 7:41:04 GMT -5
Andy, I actually got it from a place near here that raises rare breeds of poultry and a few types of fruit trees. Don't ask me where he got his original stock? We love black currant jam and I've tried to grow the varieties here that I grew in the Niagara Region without any success. I bought two of these and although the one never survived the first winter, I can't kill this one for love nor money. Ooops, maybe I shouldn't say that. I might rue my words come Spring 2008, lol. It seems resistant to many of the things that kill the 'regular' varieties off. My neighbours had an insect attack on their red currants about 10 years ago. This was a well established, well maintained patch and some kind of fruit worm destroyed it! The MO currant wasn't bothered at all? I've never had to treat it for rust or mildew.. and it continues to bear heavily and suppy us with a few currants and the Chipmunks with lots, LOL. It is however, a rather large, unruly looking creature compared to the more commercial varieties of currant. I wonder if it can be propagated from seed?  |
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Post by redbrick on Jul 19, 2007 10:37:31 GMT -5
I just did a little research, and yes, they can be started from seeds. Fresh seeds right out of the fruit work best, though stored seeds will sprout after stratification. Hardwood cuttings work the best, however.
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Post by winter unfazed on Feb 19, 2008 9:28:23 GMT -5
Missouri currants grow basically wild here; I have tried to move the bushes and this is best done in late winter.
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