Dwarf elder
Sambucus ebulus · Viburnaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dwarf elder: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to July, white to pale pink flowers
- Adult size
- 60 to 150 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia
- Soil type
- Fresh to moist, tolerates ordinary soils
Care
Watering
Dwarf elderberry appreciates fresh, well-draining soil, particularly during the growing season. Water regularly in summer, especially during prolonged dry spells. In winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.
Light exposure
Plant it in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates partial shade well, but will flower more abundantly and develop a more compact form in a sunny location.
Pruning and cutting
Cut the plant back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning promotes a bushy and vigorous form. Also remove dead or damaged stems.
Soil
Dwarf elderberry is undemanding and tolerates most soils. However, it prefers fresh to slightly moist soil. Improve poor soil with well-decomposed compost at planting time.
Fertilizing
An application of compost or organic matter in spring is usually sufficient. In very depleted soil, a balanced fertilizer applied at the beginning of the season stimulates growth and flowering.
Diseases and pests
Dwarf elderberry is not very prone to disease if drainage is good. Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid weather. Improve air circulation through pruning to limit fungal problems.
Did you know?
Dwarf elderberry was once used in folk medicine against rheumatic conditions and swelling. Its black berries, very similar to those of black elderberry, were often confused with them, which created many confusions in old botanical treatises.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Guelder roseViburnum opulus
- Wayfaring treeViburnum lantana
- LaurustinusViburnum tinus
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- Japanese snowballViburnum plicatum
- PossumhawViburnum nudum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.