Purple growth on leaves

[Argonaut]

I bought 2 fruit bushes last spring they didn't fruit last year, but overwintered finer.
Plenty of foliar growth .... but now have thick purple growth on some of the leaves - like broccoli.

Is this normal, if not what is it, and what do I do about it

[ameno]

It's caused by currant blister aphid. If you look under the leaves, you'll see small green aphids. These aphids release a chemical as they feed, which causes the blistering.
Despite the rather alarming appearance, it's actually pretty much harmless, and can safely be ignored unless you get a really severe infestation.

[Plot70]

If there are ants putting the aphids on the plants a bit of anti climb paint around the stem just above the ground will help a lot.
Aphids can be sprayed off with water.

[mothhawk]

If there are ants putting the aphids on the plants a bit of anti climb paint around the stem just above the ground will help a lot

Or vaseline...

[Snoop Puss]

Thanks for that tip, mothhawk. I have ants farming aphids all over our new peach trees and was wondering how to tackle them.