Elderflower (ornamental), planting guide and care work

elderflower care guide

Sambucus (elderflower) is a genus of flowering plants in the Adoxaceae family. They are shrubs native to temperate and subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere.

They reach heights of 10 m and develop thick, gray-green branches. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the branches, they are feather-like, made up of a variable number of leaflets with a serrated edge. Flowering takes place in late spring. It produces small white flowers, grouped in umbel-shaped inflorescences. The fruits are berries, develop towards the end of summer, and have different colors depending on the species.

It can be planted for ornamental purposes, as single specimens or in groups, in gardens or in alignments. The Elderberry is used in traditional medicine, teas, extracts. The flowers and fruits are used in juices and syrups. In some countries, it is used in the manufacture of certain specific spirit drinks.

Sambucus nigra (elderflower, black elder)

It is an indigenous shrub, native to Europe and North America, with a height of up to 6 m. It has dark green leaves, consisting of 3-5 leaflets. It blooms in May-June, developing inflorescences composed of small, white-yellow, intensely fragrant flowers. The fruits ripen in September and are black. Varieties:

‘Marginata’ – the leaves are embroidered with white-yellow.

Sambucus racemosa (red elderflower, red-berried elder)

It is a native species, which grows to a height of 4 m. It develops leaves made up of 5 leaflets, smaller than the previous species. It blooms in April-May. It forms small, yellow flowers, clustered in panicles. The fruits remain attached to the plant from July to September and are red. Varieties:

‘Plumosa Aurea’ – is short and it develops leaves with golden shades.

Environmental conditions

Light. It grows ideally in partially shaded conditions.

Temperature. It can easily withstand the atmospheric conditions of a temperate continental transitioning into an oceanic climate, being resistant to frost and drought.

Soil. It grows in fertile, rich, deep, and loose soils. The elderberry also tolerates slightly calcareous soils, compared to the red elderberry.

Care

Watering. Being drought resistant, watering is not necessary.

Fertilization. In order to stimulate flowering and fruiting, it is recommended to administer a specific fertilizer during the vegetative growth period.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Pruning. It does not require special cuts. Only the dry parts have to be removed periodically.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Diseases and pests. The elderberry can be affected by powdery mildew or it can be infested by various species of caterpillars.

Planting

It can be done in spring or autumn, during the vegetative dormancy period, at temperatures above 5° C, if the soil is not frozen and there is no danger of frost. Be sure to purchase planting material from authorized nurseries. Immediately after planting, the soil has to be well-trodden and watered abundantly. After that, the earth should be kept moist.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Propagation

The elderberry can be propagated through seeds, layering, or woody cuttings.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • the elderberry requires a lot of space to grow.
  • raw fruits are toxic to humans.
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