Perhaps a currant bush AND a new plant?

theoretica

Have you tasted the berries you found? Do you like them?

I think it very likely that you have a flowering currant which may be pretty in early spring but a replacement would have much tastier berries.

Gers

theoretica wrote: »

Have you tasted the berries you found? Do you like them?

I think it very likely that you have a flowering currant which may be pretty in early spring but a replacement would have much tastier berries.

I had a taste of one black'ish berry and it really didn't taste of anything (didn't swallow just in case!).

Didn't see any flowers in spring or summer time either. It's a mystery plant which I'm beginning to think I can do without. Perhaps a dose of the old glysophate, a dig out and a new fruiting plant are in order.

Thanks for your comments anyway, I appreciate them.

theoretica

If it doesn't taste of anything then growing it as a fruiting tree seems a waste of space. If you want flowers fairly early in the spring it might be worth another year, but it sounds like you want fruit.

When I have taken out currants I just dug them up, no need for chemicals as in my experience they don't regrow from the roots.

torbrex

Gers wrote: »

I've been into the bush and cut back a whole load of old wood and left the new stuff.

Whilst in there I came across a more berries, all hidden inside.



As you can see, some are definitely black, whilst some are still green. I've squashed a couple since taking the picture and there's no real smell of blackcurrant although there is a whiff now and then!

So now I'm assuming blackcurrant and will treat it as such. As it's so big and old (bit like myself!) is it worth digging out and planting a new one?

The learning goes on.

It those are the berries then it is not a blackcurrant variety that I have ever seen before, the berries are not round enough and the stem is too thick.

REEN

Still think it's flowering currant. Birds eat the fruit, the flowers are pretty but smell of cat pee. Mine lives right at the end of the garden by the bins for a reason.

Gers

Spring update:

this bush is now in full bloom - lovely pink / red droopy flowers. Is this any use in getting an identification?



There's another bush the same in the hedgerow in front of the house.

arbrighton

definitely flowering currant. Brilliant for wildlife, will fill space but nothing edible for you

Gers

Great, thanks. It's already got the bees buzzing around it. No need to earn its keep!

[Deleted User]

I have one in my garden.

I can see it from one of the windows in my kitchen and it is a great indicator that spring is coming. It is one of the first shrubs that I have that starts growing again after winter.

arbrighton

I really like the smell as well