Species red elderberry Guide

red elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Loamy Clay Humus

Fruits:

red,purple,black Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Red Elderberry plants prefer consistent moisture throughout the growing season. They should be watered deeply at least twice a week when the soil is dry to the touch. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may want to make sure to water your Red Elderberry plants more frequently to ensure they stay hydrated. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot. For best results, water Red Elderberry plants in the morning when the sun is not as hot and the water can quickly soak into the soil.

sunlight

Red elderberry plants prefer full sun exposure for 6-8 hours per day in the late spring and summer months. During the cooler fall and winter months, they can benefit from dappled sunlight and partial afternoon shade. Red elderberries should not be placed in full sun in the very hottest parts of summer, as this may cause the leaves to burn and the plant to wilt.

pruning

Red elderberry should be pruned in late winter, once the plant has gone dormant. Prune back branches to the point of origin, cutting them back to the main stem. Cut out any dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches to promote air flow and discourage pests. Avoid removing more than ⅓ of the plant’s branches as it can be too aggressive for the still-developing shrub. Additionally, targeting only the oldest branches will help promote the growth of younger, more vigorous branches.