Moving blackcurrant bushes

[Barrawarra]

We have several mature bushes in quite a shady spot at the bottom of the garden. There is a wooden ‘wall’ beside them holding up an upper tier in the garden, it that makes sense, and the wall is collapsing and needs replaced.

The tradesman has said he will try not to damage the bushes but I am nervous that will not be possible, and wondering if I should try to move them first, even lift them while he does the work, to return to the same spot.

Would this be blackcurrant suicide? Would it be a bad idea to move them to a different part of the garden? Is moving just best avoided and have strong words about saving my lovely bushes?

I would leave them. I wouldn’t try to move them at this time of year.

Thanks. Yes I assumed that it would be a very risky business, but then if I don’t they may get destroyed as they are growing right in front of the wall being replaced…

Mine grow against a fence and they were completely trampled when we had the fence replaced. The folowing year they were back better than before.

Oh that’s very reassuring byebye, yes maybe even if this years growth is gone the base of the plant will still be there. I haven’t pruned it since we’ve been here either. But last yr we got about 4kilo of fruit off them, I’m sad to think of losing this yr even.

Blackcurrants are tough. If you've got two, I'd dig them both up with as big a root ball as possible and replant them with lots of moisture retentive organic matter in the hole. Id prune one hard and leave one, so you are spreading the risk and may get one crop of fruit this year. You'd obviously have to water regularly. You could always put them up into large pots until the work is done. Im always moving things and getting away with it as long as i look after them afterwards.

I think it was Alan Titchmarsh who gave the following advice which has always worked for me.
You can move anything at any time of year. Pour a bucket of water over it. Move it to its new position and then pour another bucket of water over it.
Good luck. I wouldn't leave them where they are while work is going on.

I’m probably just lazy and optimistic. I suppose they manage for Chelsea and Will and Kate’s wedding with big trees….

I’ve moved my blackcurrant multiple times, including in summer, it’s always been fine 🤷‍♀️

Ah thanks for all the replies! I’m a total novice, inherited this beautiful garden so have never moved things like this, not feeling confident. I’m thinking I should do it as there’s also a risk that the wall collapses before the tradesmen gets to it. Last q - should I be trying to replicate the shady conditions it has been in? There’s not many options for that, it’s a south facing garden.

I think they will be sweeter and happier in the sun!