Plant Library

Description:

A medium-sized shrub grown for its tart white berries in summer, good for jams and pies; upright, mounded habit; best for a reserved spot in the orchard or fruit garden, can be susceptible to mildew so allow for good air movement

Edible Qualities

White Lake White Currant is a small shrub that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces clusters of white round berries which are usually ready for picking from early to mid summer. The berries have a tart taste and a juicy texture.

The berries are most often used in the following ways:

• Baking
• Preserves
• Wine-Making

Features & Attributes

White Lake White Currant has clusters of buttery yellow flowers hanging below the branches in mid spring. It has green deciduous foliage which emerges coppery-bronze in spring. The serrated lobed leaves turn yellow in fall. It features an abundance of magnificent white berries in early summer.

This is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Aside from its primary use as an edible, White Lake White Currant is sutiable for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping

Planting & Growing

White Lake White Currant will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This shrub is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.