Red elderberry
Sambucus racemosa · Viburnaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around red elderberry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May, white flowers in upright clusters
- Fruits
- Bright red berries in summer
- Mature size
- 3 to 4 m tall, 2 to 3 m wide
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 2-8)
- Origin
- Europe, Asia Minor and Caucasus
- Soil type
- Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Sunlight
Choose a sunny to partially shaded location for optimal flowering and fruiting. Racemose elder tolerates partial shade but thrives best with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid areas exposed to strong winds that can damage its branches.
Watering
Water regularly after planting to establish a strong root system. Once established, racemose elder is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers slightly moist soil. Maintain moisture during prolonged dry spells, especially in summer.
Soil and compost
Prepare fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter before planting. Racemose elder appreciates slightly acidic to neutral soils and prefers a nutrient-rich environment. Adding well-decomposed compost at planting time will promote good growth.
Pruning and cutting
Prune after flowering or in late winter to maintain balanced shape and open up the canopy. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Light annual pruning is sufficient; elder tolerates harder pruning well if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as growth begins. An annual application of well-decomposed compost on the surface is generally sufficient for established plants. Avoid excessive fertilizer, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Racemose elder is generally robust and rarely affected by serious diseases. Watch for aphids or spider mites, especially during dry spells. Good drainage and adequate air circulation reduce the risk of fungal problems.
Did you know?
Racemose elder was venerated in medieval European cultures, where the tree was credited with magical and protective properties. In traditional herbal medicine, its flowers and berries have long been used to prepare infusions and syrups. Today, Sambucus racemosa remains popular with landscapers for its attractive form, elegant spring flowers, and spectacular red berries that attract birds to the garden.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Guelder roseViburnum opulus
- Wayfaring treeViburnum lantana
- LaurustinusViburnum tinus
- Sambucus canadensisSambucus canadensis
- Japanese snowballViburnum plicatum
- PossumhawViburnum nudum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.