blue elder

Blue Elder requires moderate watering, and should be watered when the soil has a slightly dry texture. Generally, it is best to water the plant once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. If it is an especially hot or dry season, blue elder may need to be watered slightly more often. For optimal results, use lukewarm water and ensure it is reaching the root system of the plant.

Blue Elder (Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea) grows best in full sun. This plant prefers a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season. The exposure needs to be consistent in order for the plant to reach its maximum growth potential and ensure its vigorous flowering. During the height of summer, too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause scorching and burning of the elder stems and leaves. In areas with intense, prolonged sunlight, dappled shade throughout the day is beneficial. Blue Elder can tolerate partial shade, although flowering and fruiting may be decreased in areas with less than 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Blue elder (Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea) should be pruned in late winter or early spring between February and March. It is important to identify the weak and damaged stems and prune them back to a healthy branching point. Additionally, prune any dead, diseased, or crossed branches, and remove any water sprouts. To ensure healthy growth, prune the branches so they are no longer than twice the length of the strongest stems, and prune any stems back to at least 2 sets of healthy buds. Blue elder should also be trimmed to create a more desirable shape, as it can be susceptible to heavy winds and snow if left untrimmed. Keeping the shrub at a manageable size and ensuring that the canopy is open and allows for air flow can help reduce the risk of pest and disease in the plant.