Growing guide

How to grow Sambucus

Sambucus, or elder, are vigorous trees with large creamy flowerheads in summer, followed by small black berries. Several cultivars are available with ornamental golden or purple leaves. They thrive in most soils, both wet and dry, so are a particularly good choice for difficult areas.

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Quick facts

  • Easy-to-grow tree or large shrub
  • Frothy white flowerheads in summer
  • Small black berries, loved by birds
  • Cultivars offer a choice of leaf colours
  • Grow in sun or partial shade
  • Tolerate wet and dry soils
  • Flowers can be used to make summer drinks

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

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