Elderberry.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Can reach up to 300cm in height and spread

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Elderberries appreciate moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning helps manage size and encourage fruiting; it's best to remove dead or weak wood annually. Watch out for aphids and elder borer, which can sometimes infest the plant.

Watering

Water regularly, especially when young and during dry spells. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Feeding

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost, if desired, though they often do well without it.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the plant. Heavy pruning can stimulate new growth and fruit production.

Repotting

Established shrubs generally do not require frequent repotting and are best left in the ground; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2-3 years.

Soil

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to various soil types

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Temperature

-20 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

Berries (raw), leaves, bark, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Cooked berries and flowers are generally safe.

Pets

Ingestion of raw berries, leaves, bark, or roots can be toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal upset.

Edibility

While the berries and flowers are edible when cooked, raw berries and other parts of the plant can be toxic. Always ensure proper preparation.

How to identify it

• Compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets
• Flat-topped clusters of small white flowers
• Clusters of dark purple-black berries
• Smooth, gray-brown bark
• Hollow pith in young stems

Height

1.2 to 3m

Spread

1.2 to 3m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

White, Cream, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

Purple, Black, Late summer to early autumn

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth, causing distortion and weakening the plant. They can be washed off with water or treated with insecticidal soap.
• Elder borer — Larvae tunnel into stems, weakening branches. Pruning infested stems and maintaining plant health can help prevent infestations.
• Powdery mildew — A white, powdery fungal growth on leaves and stems, usually occurring in humid conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent this.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed, Division

When to plant

Spring, Autumn

Plant elderberries with other fruiting shrubs and pollinator-attracting flowers to create a diverse and beneficial garden ecosystem.

Grows well with

• Raspberry — They share similar growing needs and can benefit from mutual support in the garden ecosystem.
• Blueberry — Both prefer acidic soil and similar moisture levels, making them good neighbors.
• Rhubarb — These plants have compatible needs and can help deter certain pests from each other.

Keep away from

• Walnut — Black walnut trees exude juglone, a substance toxic to many plants, including elderberry.

Similar species

• American Elderberry — Very similar in appearance and use, but typically native to North America and often has a more shrub-like, less tree-like habit.
• Red Elderberry — Distinguished by its cone-shaped clusters of red berries and typically flowers earlier in the season.

Science

Family

Viburnaceae

Genus

Sambucus

Order

Dipsacales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia

Elderberry colonizes open, disturbed areas and woodland edges, thriving in moist soils and providing food and habitat for various wildlife.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant, food source for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

Ornamental, Edible fruit, Wildlife garden, Hedging

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Are elderberries safe to eat?

Yes, but only when cooked. Raw berries, leaves, and other plant parts can be toxic.

When should I prune my elderberry?

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove dead or damaged wood and shape the plant.

How often do elderberries need watering?

Water regularly, especially during the first year and dry periods, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Can elderberries grow in containers?

Yes, they can be grown in large containers, but they will generally grow larger and produce more fruit when planted directly in the ground.

Where the name comes from

The scientific name 'Sambucus' likely derives from the Greek word 'sambuke', a type of ancient musical instrument, possibly referring to the pithy stems used for making pipes. 'Nigra' is Latin for 'black', referring to the color of the ripe berries.

Good to know

• Elderberries have been used to make wine, jams, pies, and cordials for centuries.
• The wood of elderberry branches was traditionally used for making musical instruments like flutes.
• The plant can grow quite large, sometimes becoming more like a small tree.
• Different species of elderberry exist worldwide, with varying fruit colors and edibility.