Good afternoon Kim,

We received your questions about pruning shrubs and transplanting trees.

It is best to prune shrubs/trees in the spring. If the shrub is a flowering shrub you want to prune it before the buds appear in the spring. If prune in Fall/Winter you will remove the buds and it will not bloom in the Spring. The following PlantTalk 1713 and Garden Notes 616 discuss pruning and provide information about the proper way to prune.:

Pruning Shrubs: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1713-pruning-shrubs/
Pruning Flowering Shrubs: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/616.pdf

The following links will provide some general information about the Kentucky Coffee Tree:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-information/cmg-gardennotes-classhandouts/kentucky-coffeetree/

The best time to transplant trees/shrubs is in the Spring. This allows the plant to establish its roots and recover from transplant shock prior to the cold weather. I have attached some links to PlantTalk and Garden Notes documents which will provide general information about transplanting and correct planting of trees and shrubs:https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1717-transplanting-trees-shrubs/
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1711-planting-trees-shrubs/
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/636.pdf

Finally, you asked if we could identify the plant in the picture (with your foot). I have asked some other folks on our team for assistance, but we were unable to come up with a positive ID. Does you friend live in the area or another state? You might ask her to send you a picture of the plant that you got the cutting from to start and send your picture and the one she sends to help us ID the plant. As far as transplanting refer to the information included above. Again recommend you wait until Spring to transplant to improve the chances of survival.

I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Linda, Weld County Colorado Master Gardener

Kim,

After additional research one of our team members was able to identify your plant. It is some type of currant or gooseberry. The following link will direct you to an information sheet from University of Minnesota about currants and gooseberries; https://extension.umn.evrdu/fruit/growing-currants-and-gooseberries-home-garden#varieties-1221011

As I indicated in the earlier email it will be best to transplant in Spring. Also, be sure to do fall and winter watering until you transplant.

I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Linda, Weld County Colorado Master Gardener