Currant Plants Dying

Question: Hello, I have recently had 4 wax currant bushes dye in my yard. These plants were here way before we purchased the property 16 years ago. We haven't changed any watering habits or anything else. Wondering if you might know of a reason I am losing these native plants?

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied August 22, 2024, 8:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Cheryl,  I have several questions for you to further assist.  How quickly did the leaves show signs of browing?  Was it during the persistent heat we had this summer?  Any signs of wildlife damage at the root level?  I would want to see a closeup of a transitional branch ( healthy to unhealthy) either with a photo or you can bring a sample to our plant clinic here in Redmond.  Sometimes it is just the leave and not the branches.  Photos of the branches up close would also be helpful to further assist you.  Thanks,

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Hello Amy Jo, I do have a vole in other areas of our yard...but I inspected these plants and do not see any activity. Our landscaper said the same thing about the extreme heat. My only hesitation with that is that one plant next to another- one is suffering and the other is fine. All the plant distress has happened in the last few months.   Here are some more pics. Thank you! Cheryl B    On 8/22/24 5:13 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 11:58 AM EDT
response: Hello Amy Jo, I can't say specifically how quickly did they show signs of distress- but I think it has happened in the last few weeks. I did inspect the roots- no signs of critters or damage. I think you bring up an excellent point about the heat- my landscaper said the same thing- about the heat. My biggest question is that we have a few of the currants and some are fine and others are suffering. I attached a picture of one that is having a tough time, next to one that is fine. I also note that it seems that there is some new growth. I can bring a sample as well.   Thank you, Cheryl   On 8/22/24 5:13 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 03, 2024, 11:53 AM EDT
response: Hello, Just following up. Should I cut this bushes all the way back to see if they regrow?  Thank you, Cheryl B  On Aug 22, 2024, at 6:13 PM, cheryl thebregantes.net wrote:    ﻿ Hello Amy Jo, I do have a vole in other areas of our yard...but I inspected these plants and do not see any activity. Our landscaper said the same thing about the extreme heat. My only hesitation with that is that one plant next to another- one is suffering and the other is fine. All the plant distress has happened in the last few months.   Here are some more pics. Thank you! Cheryl B    On 8/22/24 5:13 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied September 03, 2024, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Cheryl,  Are the branches actually dead or just that the leaves have dried up?  Prune off a branch to see if it is still green or the buds for next year are still viable.  If so I would wait and see what happens next year.  If the branches do not leaf out in spring then you can remove them. Sometimes the leaves will respond to (e.g. heat stress) but that doesn't mean the plant is in failure.    Thanks,  Amy Jo