Thanks Wayne. Currant doesn't have fruit?

Some are more ornamental than others - i.e., they will flower but not produce any (or very little) edible fruit.

This looks a lot like what is usually called clove currant - Ribes aureum or R. odoratum.

Thank you! Do either of you know how hard these would be to remove?

It also looks like the tops of branches have been pruned off, which may have removed flower buds. Many plants form the buds the previous season.

how hard can it be to dig out 3 ugly shrubs ...

then you can plant some more larger hosta ..

have hubby sharpen your shovel first.. unless that is to overwhelming for hubby also .. lol

i wouldnt waste money on PM ... if you insist ... baking soda can work ... see link ..

frankly.. it would take longer to drive and buy the goo.. than it should take you to dig them out ... just do it ... bribe him with something ....hmmmmmm

ken

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=baking+soda+on+powdery+mildew&t=ffnt&ia=web

Currant is an invasive in nj

Can we have a reference for that statement, Jacks g and f? I can't find one other than Ribes rubrum being a moderate threat. The OPs plant isn't R rubrum. R aureum is a native species.

Perhaps Jacks G and F might be confused about the reason for restrictions on some Ribes, but it isn't because of invasiveness AFAIK. At least some species of Ribes are the alternate host for white pine blister rust, so in many east coast states (including NJ) where white pine is a resource that is or was important to the economy, sale is restricted in some way. In the late teens through the 30's NH actually hired people to remove Ribes throughout the state. However, most states now allow growing of resistant cultivars and/or in certain counties or by permit. Also it's not required to remove ones already planted if you want to keep them.

I'd expect planting shown to consist of Ribes alpinum.

Just cut them at ground level and throw some mulch over them.

That treatment will make them grow beautifully.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Floral and Logan - if I cut them down to the ground, will they really grow back nicely? If so, when is the best time to do so or can I do it at any time? How long will it take for them to come back to a normal size? Will they start growing back right away? They are so hidious right now and I am at a loss. I've looked up pruning instructions for currants but what I found was quite elaborate and I didn't fully understand it, especially since they started at the first season and went on to year 2, 3 and so on.... I was feeling like mine had gone to the point of no return....

Currant is a plant that as a landscape shrub has a limited use. As you've discovered, it's prone to some foliar problems, and there are a couple of insect issues that can arise. However, these are merely cosmetic blemishes, merely making the plant not look as great as you'd like it to. Something capable of outright killing this plant? while those problems do exist (as they do for just about anything alive), they are rare.

When it comes to pruning currant, as a hedge, as they were planted before they were yours, they are quite forgiving. Also, these are established plants...so first, they are forgiving in nature when it comes to pruning (meaning, go ahead, do your worst...the only thing you have to lose is something you don't like), they are also plants that have an energy reserve in that root system. So yeah, go head, do your worst...uhm, best. You'll learn something, and you'll have done it yourself.

The whole first year, second year, third year pruning thing is a little different than what you are looking to do. That's for size reduction but still keeping the plant is good shape. also, pruning for fruit production isn't really what you are looking to do.

I commend you for doing some background in how to prune. Now I want you to forget it, don't worry about knowing everything before you do anything, and to in part, learn by doing. A little studying is good, a little practical experience is good...then after a little hands on, go back and read again...you'll see things with an entirely new understanding.