Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Elderberry Bushes
Uses:
- Specimen or Focal Point
- Container Gardens
- Garden Borders
Features:
- Unique Delicate Foliage
- Attracts Butterflies & Bees
- Can Produce Edible Berries
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- 5+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 3-7
- What is My Zone?
Elderberry shrubs are an ornamental shrub that can produce elderberries if cross-pollinated with another bush. These are often grown as just ornamental though, with delicate textured leaves that are very unique, along with beautiful flowers in the spring that contrast with the unique foliage.
Why Buy Elderberry Shrubs Online
Elderberry are a genus of flowering shrubs called Sambucus in the Adoxaceae family. Also commonly called elder. The plants have delicate serrated leaves similar to a japanese maple but in a wide range of colors from black to lime green. The bushes bloom in late spring, with large groups of small flowers that are cream white or sometimes pink. The flowers are followed by berries that are often black, dark blue or red. The berries are edible and have many uses once cooked. However, the rest of the plant is poisonous along with the berries when raw.
The Best Way To Use Elderberry
Most elderberry shrubs are winter hardy in growing zones 4 to 7. The plants can grow from 3 to 12 feet tall and wide. The growth habit is typically mounded, however we do offer an upright version as well. The plants prefer well drained soil. Plant in a location with partial sun to full sunlight conditions.
Use elderberry as an ornamental shrub and a focal point in the garden. These are also great in mass plantings. Typically, you will need to plant more than 1 for these to produce berries as the plants will need to cross pollinate. The plants are also great for wildlife as they produce blooms and berries needed for pollinators like bees as well as berries for birds.
Use as an ornamental focal point
Great for birds, bees, and other wildlife
Available in black, green and lime green
Typically 3 to 12 feet tall
Growing zones 4 to 7
About Elderberry Bushes
Genus
Species
Family
Sambucus
Sambucus nigra (Black Elderberry), Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry)
Adoxaceae
Common Names:
Elder, Elder Tree, Black Elder, Common Elder
Native To:
North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 to 9
Flower Color:
White, Cream
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Spring to Early Summer
Growth Habit:
Multi-stemmed, Rounded or Sprawling
Attracts:
Pollinators (Bees, Butterflies), Birds
Tolerates:
Wet Soil, Partial Shade
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Elderberry In The Garden
Elderberries reward gardeners with tart black, blue, or red fruits treasured for jams, syrups, and cordials. The broad white flower clusters emerging in late spring can be used in cooking and fermentation projects. Many cultivars also boast colorful or variegated foliage, adding visual interest beyond harvest time. This perennial favorite contributes to local ecology by attracting pollinators and providing shelter for wildlife.
In landscape designs, elderberries function well as natural hedges or border shrubs, especially in spaces with partial sunlight. Their upright, multi-stemmed habit offers a striking backdrop in larger gardens, while also softening transitions between wild and cultivated areas. Plant them in groups to boost cross-pollination and enhance berry production. Occasional pruning of older canes supports healthy growth and a steady fruit supply.
Elderberry Care
Elderberries should be planted in full sun and in well-drained, moist, fertile soil with an acidic pH. Plant them 2 inches deeper than their nursery pot depth. Due to their shallow roots, elderberries require consistent deep watering, especially during the first two years. Fertilize plants in early spring with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Start pruning elderberries once they reach two years old in early spring. Begin by removing dead, broken, or weak canes, then eliminate canes older than three years to promote the growth of new, productive shoots. In autumn, clean up fallen foliage, apply mulch, and consider protecting the plant from rabbits with a hardware cloth cage if necessary. For container cultivation, select varieties that remain under five feet tall and ensure the container drains well.
Learn More About Elderberry
Elderberry Companion Plants
Plants that go well with elderberry are smaller shade loving plants that can grow underneath these large shrubs or other berry producing plants for wildlife. Some of our favorite plants to grow with elderberry are phlox, bee balm, winterberry and blueberry shrubs. Try and plant the other plants at the same time as the elderberry, because these shrubs do not like their roots to be disturbed once established.
