- What makes the alpine currant the ideal hedge plant?
- Which soils does the alpine currant prefer?
- Insensitive to exhaust gases
- Very early budding
- High cutting tolerance
The alpine currant is a native shrub that thrives at altitudes of 1600 meters and is found wild throughout most of Europe. Although it belongs to the gooseberry family, the branches are thornless. The undemanding plant is a little jack of all trades that is very popular as a low-maintenance hedge plant with ornamental value.
The alpine currant is ideal as a hedge
What makes the alpine currant the ideal hedge plant?
There is hardly a shrub that is as undemanding in terms of location as the alpine currant. In nature, it is often found as an undergrowth in forests, because it thrives in the shade and can cope well with root pressure. At the same time, the landscape tree is sun-tolerant and therefore perfectly suited for properties where the hedge is both in the sun and in the shade.
Which soils does the alpine currant prefer?
In terms of soil, the shrub is also very undemanding. Whether on loam, sand or stony subsoil, whether the substrate is acidic or calcareous, the shrub feels at home everywhere. In addition, the alpine currant is absolutely frost hardy, even in rough locations the hedge does not need any additional winter protection.
Insensitive to exhaust gases
Alpine currant hedges are relatively common in large cities and around industrial plants. This is because this plant is very compatible with car exhaust fumes and road salt. The shrub is therefore ideal for shielding your city property from street noise and exhaust fumes and at the same time protecting it from the prying eyes of passers-by.
Very early budding
As soon as the first rays of sunshine warm the air, the alpine currant sprout. It keeps its foliage well into autumn. During this time, it turns an attractive yellow and sets luminous accents.
High cutting tolerance
The alpine currant also copes well with severe pruning. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Pruning should be done immediately after flowering.
- The shrubs are preferably cut by hand and not with electric scissors. In this way, the attractive leaf shape is retained and the hedge does not look torn.
- If you want to enjoy the fruits, keep as many of the faded inflorescences as possible.
tips
The alpine currant is a good food source for birds and insects. For this reason, it is one of those trees that enhances gardens from an ecological point of view.