(2) Elderberry cuttings - sambucus nigra

Elderberries are one of our most beloved plants at home and on our flower farm.

We grow elderberry en masse on our farm as a windbreak. At home, elderberries thrive along our barn and next to our house, planted where water drains from a drain pipe off our roof.

the wonderful aspects of elderberry plants:

• Elderberry shrubs fill in big empty spaces quickly, providing effective privacy fences during summer months.

• Elderflowers and Elderberries are edible, providing antioxidant-rich food & plant medicine for birds and humans alike.

• Elderberry is so easy to grow! It is drought tolerant once established and does not ever require fertilizer.

• Elderberry is a plant native to North America, which means it helps increase biodiversity by feeding native birds and beneficial insects.

how to grow elderberry from a cutting:

A cutting is a section of branch that has only just begun to bud up and leaf out. When stuck directly into the ground, the cutting will root and begin to leaf out. Within a few weeks, you will have a new Elder plant on its way to producing a gorgeous crown of flowers and berries with practically zero effort.

You will receive detailed growing instructions with your order. For more information, read this blog post: Magnificent Elder: Growing Elder from Cuttings

GROWTH FACT SHEET for elderberry shrubs

Common Names: Elder, Elderberry, Elderflower, American Elder, Canadian Elder

Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra (native species)

USDA Growing Zones: 3-7

Sun Exposure: Full Sun is recommended. Growing in Part Sun will result in less robust growth and flowering/fruiting, but will still grow.

Moisture: Naturally grows in ditches and prefers wet soils. Tolerates temporary flooding. Grows a deep tap root so it’s able to find water during drought. Needs frequent watering during first year then can be left alone indefinitely.

Special Requirement for Cross-Pollination for Elderberry Production: Two different varieties of Elder are required for cross-pollination for fruiting to occur. Just two plants are needed for cross-pollination and they can be planted within 1/2-acre of each other.

Pruning: Elder can be left completely alone to grow to full height and width. To control size of plants, cut down to base in late winter/very early spring — Elder will regrow to full height within the season. It is recommended to remove dead wood every spring.

Suckers/Spreading: Elder spreads laterally underground via root system — it’s not overly aggressive, but does require removing new shoots (suckers) if you don’t want the plant grouping to expand. Pull or dig suckers out of the ground (these could be replanted in another location). On the other hand, when left unchecked, Elder does a great job of filling in an empty spot in the landscape.

plant ordering & shipping information

You will receive elderberry cuttings that have been sustainably-grown and hand harvested from our flower farm in New York State. Shipping will occur when temperatures in our region are above freezing — usually mid-April.

You will receive elderberry growing instructions with your order. This information has been specially curated by Heirloom Soul Florals. We are here to set you up for gardening success; however, we are not responsible for poor growing conditions.