Elderberry or Elder
Sambucus species (CAPRIFOLIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Elderberry
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow elderberry or elder in the accompanying table’s tabs:
-
- Flowers, foliage, and berries of elderberry or elder
- Growing conditions for elderberry or elder
- When and where to plant elderberry or elder
- How to plant elderberry or elder
- How to shape, prune and control growth of elderberry or elder
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of elderberry or elder
- Landscape uses of elderberry or elder
- Pest and disease control for elderberry or elder
Growing Elderberry
About 20 species of fast-growing, open, deciduous shrubs or small trees, 6–30 ft. (1.8–9 m) tall, with opposite, shiny, bronze, green, purple, featherlike, 5–7-lobed, toothed leaves, to 1 ft. (30 cm) long.
Elderberry Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Many tiny, cream, pink, white, 5-petaled flowers, in flat or domed clusters, to 10 in. (25 cm) wide, in spring, form purple, red, round, sometimes fleshy, edible berries in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 2–10, depending on species.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich–average. 6.0–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full to filtered sun. Space 10–12 ft. (3–3.7 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist until established; drought tolerant thereafter. Fertilize annually in spring. Prune to promote bushiness. Propagate by seed, suckers.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, backgrounds, fencelines in meadow, natural gardens. Good for pies, preserves, wine. Attracts birds. Pest resistant. Powdery mildew susceptible.