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Home  »  A-Z Plant Index  »  Herb Plants  »  Elderflower

Elderflower

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Grow your own ElderBerry Plant

Sambucus nigra - 'Black Lace'
Sambucus nigra – ‘Black Lace’

A plant that deserves more attention Sambucus nigra, commonly called the Elderberry or Elderflower makes a wonderful garden plant as well being used for making wine and gin.

The flowers are attractive, the foliage is stunning and yes, you get the berries as well.

The leaves and bark are also said to have uses.

The seeds themselves are difficult to find for sale and usually need to be collected.

Elderberry Flower - Sambucus Nigra
Elderberry Flower
Elderberry Foliage - Sambucus Nigra
ElderberryFoliage
Elderberry Plant - Sambucus Nigra
Elderberry Plant

How to grow Sambucus Nigra

We would suggest considering buying a small plant, they are available, not costly and easier than growing from seed unless youn want a lot of plants.

The best place to plant How to grow Sambucus Nigra is in a little afternoon shade in a humus rich soil.

A few named varieties are around, Black Lace and Black Beauty being two. To be frank we can’t tell the difference.

Sambus ‘Golden Tower’ is certainly different, more upright in growth habit and golden green foliage. Although a little difficult to find for sale.

How to grow Sambucus Nigra from seeds

If you can find seeds, try the following method as Elderflower seeds have a very hard outer coating and are difficult to germinate.

  1. Fresh seeds should first be washed and cleaned of any pulp.
  2. Seeds need then to be treated to a period of cold stratification.
  3. Seeds can be placed in a ziplock bag mixed in with some vermiculite.
  4. Place them in a refrigerator for 6 weeks.
  5. The seeds should then be planted  into trays in late winter to spring.
  6. Use a good quality seed raising mix and cover the seeds with around 1cm of the seed raising mix (1/2 inch)
  7. Place the trays in a propagating box with some bottom heat.
  8. Keep moist by mist spraying.
  9. Once the seeds germinate, harden them off a little and pot up into larger conatianers.

Although parts of the plant have been used in herbal remedies for many years, we suggest you use any part of the plant with caution after consulting your doctor.

As the plant tends to sucker, as well as spread by the many berries it produces the Elderflower plant has its problems. This is another plant best grown in a container to avoid spreading. Try a pot in a semi shaded position and cut back in winter.

Elderflower Growing Information

  • Height – To around 3 metres.
  • Spread – To 3 metres.
  • Position – Full sun to part shade.
  • Soil – Humus rich well drained.
  • Foliage – Mid green and deciduous.
  • Flowers – White, followed by small berries. 
  • Flowering period – Summer

You can buy Sambucus nigra plants from the following suppliers


muskers
MUSKER'S at BROUGHTON HALL Rare Plant Nursery - ph 0417056110
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
 
White House Nursery
WHITE HOUSE NURSERY - Jess Exiner & Peter Harris
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order 
www.whitehousenursery.com.au

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