How to Grow Elderberry: A Guide to Stunning Foliage and Delicious Berries

Growing American elderberries, also known as American elder, is easy in most parts of the country. This large, flowering, fruiting shrub is native to North America and attracts bees, butterflies, and many birds. The small, lemon-scented white flowers appear in June and develop into black berries in late summer. The fruits have been used to make jams, jellies, pie fillings, and elderberry wine. The flowers are also edible. Find out how to grow elderberries in your garden with this guide that explains all the basics.

Warning:

All parts of the plant, except the flowers, are toxic and must be cooked to remove cyanide (cyanogenic glucosides) before they are safe to eat. This compound deters grazing by deer and other animals.

Where to Grow Blackberries?

Plant American elderberries in fertile, consistently moist soil in zones 3 through 9. They tolerate occasional drought or wet soil and grow in both acidic and alkaline soils.

Plant elderberry bushes in an area where you can easily access them as they require regular pruning. This fast-growing shrub can become unruly and looks best in a pond edge, drainage, rain garden, or buffer zone. It is often used as a wide hedge in natural gardens.

When and How to Plant Cranberries?

Plant elderberries in spring or fall. Place them in the ground at the same depth they were in their nursery container. They have shallow roots and need good watering during their first growing season. Arching, wide stems grow from the roots. Check the soil before planting.

Care Tips

Follow these simple care tips to successfully grow elderberry plants.

Light

Choose a location that gets full to partial sun. For best blooms, place this plant in sunny locations.

Soil and Water

Moisture is essential even in well-drained soil. Water when there is less than an inch of water per week. Mulch around the plants and over the roots to suppress and control weeds and keep the soil moist. Use two to three inches of compost or wood chips to retain moisture and enrich the soil.

Fertilizer

It is not necessary to fertilize big berry plants after the first year. A top layer of compost in the spring will provide all the necessary nutrients.

Pruning

Prune your black elderberry plants regularly to maintain their dense growth habit. Elderberries thrive on the new growth of the current season, so any pruning should be completed in late winter or early spring before new spring growth begins.

There are three main types of pruning that this shrub may require. The first thing to do at any time of year is to prune to remove dead, old, or weak stems. The second method is to shorten the stems by one-third. Third, cut all the stems back to the ground to rejuvenate the shrub.

Pests and Problems of Elderberry

Elderberry has no serious pest or disease problems. Strong winds and heavy snow/ice can damage the stems. Root spreaders provide care until the plants are used to naturally prepare the area.

How to Propagate Elderberry

To propagate, cut off the elongated stem that grows from the root zone (root sucker) other than the shrub and replant in a fertile, moist location. Water until mature. You can also take cuttings from new growth in the spring. Make sure there are at least two nodes on the cutting, and use a rooting hormone powder to encourage new root growth.

Types of Elderberry

Golden Elderberry

Several yellow-leaved varieties of Sambucus racemosa offer golden-colored leaves with a smooth texture. They are marketed under names such as Lemon Lace, Sutherland Gold, and Morden Golden Glow. Grows to 5 to 8 feet tall, hardy in zones 4 to 8.

'Adams' Elder'

This cultivar of American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) produces large clusters of purple berries. Fruit set is enhanced by using more than one cultivar, such as 'York.' Grows to 7 to 10 feet tall. Zones 3-9

Common Black Elderberry (European)

Common black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. It has been found to be a weed and can be invasive and should not be planted in gardens. The berries are black. Zones 5-8

'Eva' Black Lace Berry

'Eva' Black Lace Berry (Sambucus nigra) is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. This cultivar has deeply cut, deep purple leaves; lemon-scented flowers; and deep, dark red berries. Zones 4-7

American Elderberry Companion Plants

Several other native shrubs are naturalized as suitable companion plants for elderberries.

Dogwood

Shrubs (Cornus sericea and Cornus racemosa) or small tree/shrub (Cornus alternifolia) are companion plants for elderberry shrubs. All of these species have similar growing conditions to elderberries but tolerate more shade.

Chokeberry

Another native shrub grown for its fruit is the Iroquois Black Beauty 'Morton' (Aronia melanocarpa). It is also used by gardeners as a landscape plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I harvest and prepare elderberry berries?

The berries are harvested in mid-August to September of the second or third year, when they are deep purple and almost black. Cut the clusters and gently remove the berries. They spoil quickly so refrigerate, freeze, or dry them immediately. Cooking or drying the berries will make them edible and improve their flavor as well.

When is the best time to harvest elderflowers?

The flowers are cut before they reach peak ripeness, usually in late May or early June. Choose only fresh flowers that have a strong scent and flavor; older flowers may taste bitter or astringent.