Growing elderberries is an easy way to add beauty and purpose to your landscape plantings. These hardy shrubs are native to many parts of North America and Europe, and their feathery clusters of white flowers in spring, and deep purple berries in late summer, make them a standout in the garden.
However, the true value of growing elderberries runs even deeper. That is, they are not plants that you grow in your garden to simply make it appealing. On the contrary, these shrubs possess many traits that make them exceptional among plants.
Elderberries at a Glance
Elderberry plants belong to the genus Sambucus. In the United States, the most common ornamental species are:
- American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
- European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
- Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)
These species are all multi-stemmed shrubs, often found in moist soils near streams, forest edges, and open meadows. In nature the berries are an important food source for an array of birds, mammals, and insects. Moreover, elderberries have been valued for centuries by native peoples and settlers alike, both as landscape plants and for the many uses and benefits the berries provide.
Elderberries can be used for food, medicine, and dyes. The wood of the hollowed stems was used by Native Americans to make things like flutes and arrow shafts.
Why Grow Elderberries?
There are plenty of reasons to make room for elderberries in your garden. Here are a few considerations if you’re debating whether to add an elderberry to your landscape:
Support wildlife: Elderberry flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Also, the berries are a favorite for songbirds.
Native beauty: Elderberries are tough, adaptable, and blend beautifully with other native plants.
Seasonal privacy: Dense foliage makes an excellent seasonal screen or living fence.
Erosion control: The spreading roots of elderberries help stabilize soil along banks and slopes.
Low maintenance: Once established, they need little attention.
Elderberry Safe Handling and Cautions
Elderberries are beautiful and versatile shrubs, but it is important to handle them with care. All parts of the plant, except ripe, cooked berries and the flowers, are toxic.
Consuming raw berries or any leaves, stems, or roots can cause nausea and other symptoms. Even the tiny stems attached to the berries need to be removed. You should never eat raw elderberries and always process them properly before use.
When planting, pruning, or removing elderberry shrubs:
- Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid skin irritation from sap.
- Dispose of plant material safely, especially if children or pets are nearby. This includes all the green plant parts; the leaves, stems, and roots.
Where and How to Plant Elderberries
Elderberries are easy to grow! They just need the right spot and some simple maintenance to be beautiful and productive season after season.
Best Location to Grow an Elderberry Shrub
Choosing the right location for planting elderberries is most important. Here are a few things to take into account when deciding on a location:
- Choose a sunny site for the best flowering and fruiting. Although they can tolerate some shade, you will be faced with a decrease in berry production.
- Pick a spot with plenty of space. Mature elderberry shrubs can reach 6-12’ (2-4m) in height with a spread just as wide.
- For a hedge or privacy screen plan to space plants 6’ (2m) apart to create a dense wall of foliage.
Best Soil for Growing Elderberries
Another important factor for growing healthy elderberry shrubs is the type of soil. Elderberries require the following soil conditions for good growth:
- Elderberries prefer moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
- They tolerate clay and even short-term flooding, but avoid planting in dry, sandy soil unless you can provide extra water.
Elderberry Shrub Water Needs
Elderberry shrubs have fairly shallow roots, so supplemental watering can be helpful, especially when the plant is in flower or developing fruit. Important tips for watering include:
- Water young plants regularly, especially during dry spells, until plants are well-established. An established plant is one that is actively producing new growth.
- Once established elderberries are drought-tolerant but they will produce more berries with consistent moisture.
- Applying a 2-3” (5-8cm) layer of mulch over the root zone can help keep the roots cool and moist.
Planting an Elderberry Shrub
The planting instructions for elderberry shrubs are similar to most other shrubs although timing and plant spacing may vary. To get your shrub off to the best start follow these simple instructions for growing elderberries:
- Plant elderberries in early spring after the last frost.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Mix compost into the planting hole for extra nutrients.
- Space plants 6-10’ (2-3m) apart to allow for air circulation and future growth.
Pruning Elderberry Shrubs
Elderberries benefit from regular pruning. Here are some basic tips for meeting their pruning needs:
- Prune in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts.
- Remove dead, diseased, or weak stems at ground level.
- Thin out old stems to encourage new shoots and improve airflow.
- Cut back up to a third of the oldest stems each year for the best berry production.
Propagating Elderberry Shrubs
Elderberries are easy to propagate from cuttings, especially when the plant is dormant in late fall, winter, or early spring. Follow these simple steps to propagate your own elderberry shrubs:
1. Choose healthy, pencil-thick stems from the previous season’s growth and cut them into 6-8” (15-20cm) sections, making sure each piece has at least two or three leaf nodes.
2. Trim the bottom end at an angle so you can tell which side should go into the soil, then place the cutting in a pot of moist, well-draining potting mix with one or two nodes below the surface.
3. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, and set the pot in a bright, sheltered location while roots develop. Once new growth appears and the cutting resists a gentle tug, it can be transplanted into the garden.
Harvesting Elderberries
Elderberries are usually ready to pick in late summer. Here are some tips for harvesting:
- Look for clusters of fully ripe, deep purple (or red, for S. racemosa) berries.
- The berries should be plump, and come off the stem easily with a gentle tug.
- Full, ripe clusters should be cut from the branch rather than picking the individual berries.
- The berries are delicate and the skins are easily damaged so be sure to handle them gently.
- Consider wearing gloves to avoid staining your hands.
Create an Edible Landscape
Elderberries bring beauty, privacy, and wildlife right to your garden. With a little care and planning, you will enjoy their flowers and fruit for years to come. If you want to learn more about combining edible plants with the ornamentals in your landscape, check out our guide on Edible Landscaping.
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