Blue Elderberry

Blue Elderberry should be watered every 3-4 days in the spring, summer, and fall, and every 10-14 days in the winter. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not soggy. To help the soil retain moisture, spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. How much water you provide will depend on the size of the plant, soil type, weather, and season, but a good rule of thumb is to provide 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is low.

Blue elderberry plants (Sambucus cerulea) thrive best in sunny sites but do tolerate some shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day; warm, filtered sunlight for the majority of the day is ideal. In the hottest parts of the growing season, some light shade can help the plant to protect against sunburn and water loss.

Blue Elderberry should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will allow for the bush to produce new shoots in the spring and will ensure a healthy bush throughout the growing season. Pruning should be done selectively, removing dead, diseased, or broken branches as well as any crossed branches or suckers. Non-flowering branches should also be pruned to encourage flower and berry production. Try to keep the overall shape of the bush in mind when pruning to maintain an open canopy and promote bright light. Pruning back the previous year's growth by about 1-third is recommended to ensure a healthy bush that will produce a higher yield of fruit.