Plants ordered today will begin shipping in May of 2024

Elderberry, Blue (Sambucus caerulea) potted shrub, organic

$31.00

Family: Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 9

(Blue Elderberry, Blue Elder) Deciduous shrub to small tree native to Western US.  Wild form. A pretty tree, tough in the landscape, bedecked in season by lush flowers and then dangling clusters of blue berries, characteristically dusted with white wax.  Elderberry berries are rich in anthocyanins, bioflavonoids, vitamins and antioxidants. Plant prefers shade to sun.  Elderberries are heavy nitrogen feeders and will do well under N-fixing trees such as alders, or may be given compost in the domestic garden, which really stimulates production of stem, leaf, flower and fruit.  Space trees 15 feet apart.

Potted shrub, certified organically grown

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  1. Question

    adia_thomas

    Hello! I’d like to grow elderberry in zone 10 (Los Angeles) and am thinking of Blue Elderberry. Will it grow here in the shade? Thanks so much!

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      hello adia, thanks for writing. Blue elderberry is pretty heat and drought tolerant, you can grow it in the shade in LA. Mexican Elderberry, which is rather similar to the blue, more heat- and drought-tolerant, and native to your area, would be an even better choice. Currently October of 2023, the potted plants are beginning to go dormant. Actually a good time to transplant. richo

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  2. Question

    Ashey

    I’d love to grow an Elderberry in my new garden. I am in Los Angeles, soil is loamy with mid range ph. Please advise.

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      hi ashley, if you’re not in a big hurry, try the Mexican Elderberry from seeds. That ecotype would work best for you in LA. richo

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    • Christine

      I live in southeastern Wisconsin zone 5b. This year I’m cutting the bottom branches off my blue spruce and wondered if planting an elderberry in its shade would be a good option for next year

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Christine, I’ve done the same thing and it works well. Those lower spreading branches take up tons of habitat, and when you remove them it doesn’t harm the tree and makes a great place to plant an elderberry, Richo

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  3. Question

    Cheryl McCaslin

    Which elderberry plant will do good in California?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Cheryl,
      Blue elderberry does well in CA, but really wants some elevation.
      Richo

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    • Nicole

      I am in Southern California in growing zone 8b. Would this survive if we put in in a shady spot with good irrigation?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Nicole, Yes, it likes moist feet and plenty of nitrogen. I just got some correspondence on this plant from somebody who has it growing vigorously in a Zone 9. You’re good!
      Richo

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    • Laura

      Would this be OK under a holly? I’m in Portland OR.

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Laura, I do think holly and elderberry grow well together. richo

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    • Cynthia Harvey

      Richard,
      Do you need more than one plant for it to produce the elderberry? Also, how big and wide do they get? Thank you ?
      Cynthia

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Cynthia,
      The blue elderberry is self-fertile but does better outcrossing with other trees of similar but not the same parentage. Therefore growing from seeds is very helpful. This might not correspond exactly with the monograph, but my bootstraps estimate is that the tree grows 15 feet tall and easily as wide, more or less.
      Richo

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    • jackalvic

      Can this be grown in TN, 7b?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Yes, these would be a good choice. richo

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    • Carol

      Hi Rico, Which variety is recommended for zone 6a /6b, sandy soil?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi Carol,
      All the elderberries are quite cold hardy (zone 6 is plenty warm enough for them) and all of them are going to appreciate a nitrogen-rich soil. I apply organic compost around the crowns of my plants and water them regularly with good results. If this is done, a sandy soil is not a problem. If you have a shady situation, then European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) can be a good choice. If its very sunny, it might be better to plant the blue elderberry (Sambucus caerulea) that has a bit better drought tolerance. Richo

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