Elderberries for Every Garden

For those who have room for just one edible plant, think about the elderberry. This arching eight-foot tall shrub is simple to develop, anchors the mixed border using its bold compound foliage and flowers, not to mention, provides glorious clusters of shiny, dark purple berries.

Elderberries come in a number of cultivars and species. The American species is Sambucus canadensis. Search for this species if you wish to harvest as much berries as is possible. 'Nova' and 'York' would be the two cultivars that set the greatest crops. Although these varieties are self-fruitful, you'll obtain a bigger crop with two plants simply because they cross-pollinate each other for larger yields. Elder flowers can be used for fritters, they're ideal for bouquets, as well as the berries take advantage intensely colored claret wine you'll ever see. You are able to consume the berries off of the shrub, but they're better in jams, syrups and pies. Throw some berries right into a peach pie for any special summertime treat.

The European species is Sambucus nigra. This species is parent for some spectacular new hybrids, such as the 2006 introduction 'Black Lace.' The purple-black foliage is deeply imbricated and appears just like a cutleaf Japanese maple. The massive pink flower heads that show up in late Spring confound by far the most expert gardeners. Such as the American varieties, 'Black Lace' is self-fertile, but advantages of the existence of another variety nearby for cross-pollination. Another purple-leafed European cultivar is 'Black Beauty.' This plant is a lot like 'Black Lace' in coloration, however the leaves are oval. The showy drooping berry clusters for both varieties should be cooked before eating. They're ideal for jams and syrups. A S. nigra cultivar called 'Pulverulenta' has pale green leaves mottled with creamy white. It's an attractive shrub for any woodland garden. The flowers are typical white elder cymes which are perfectly showcased from the marbled foliage. You'll get enough berries to fulfill birds, however, not enough for jam or pie making. Try growing the stunning green-white Clematis florida alba semi-plena in to the branches of the variegated shrub to have an extra visual kick.

Another species within the elderberry family members are Sambucus racemosa. Indigenous to the northern latitudes of The United States, Europe and Asia, this elderberry bears red berries which are better left towards the birds. A spectacular yellow-leafed cultivar is 'Sutherland Gold', with ferny foliage that's perfect to lighten up a shady corner within the garden.

If you wish to attract wildlife, elderberries are a good choice. Butterflies are frequent targeted traffic to elder flowers, and elderberries really are a favorite with lots of birds. Woodpeckers, bluebirds, cedar waxwings, orioles and grosbeaks will choose elderberries over everything else within your garden.

Elderberries do not have diseases to talk of, they're very adaptable to a number of soil conditions, moisture levels and sunlight, and deer often leave them alone. They grow well in Zones 4-9. You are able to prune them back each year after fruiting to ensure they are under control. And don't forget to usher in branches of flowers and berries for striking bouquets.

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