Description
Eldberberry (Sambucus nigra)
The Elderberry, from the Viburnaceae family, is a versatile and easy-to-grow deciduous shrub or small tree. It produces creamy white flowers in spring and glossy black berries in summer. Elderberries are celebrated for their high antioxidant content and are often considered a ‘superfood’. Self-fertile by nature, a single plant can produce fruit, although planting more than one results in heavier and more consistent crops through improved cross-pollination.
Both flowers and berries are valued for making cordials, syrups, jams, wines, and teas, while the plant adds year-round beauty to ornamental and edible gardens. With its culinary and traditional uses, Sambucus nigra is a rewarding and attractive addition to many gardens.
Growth Habit
Sambucus nigra typically grows 3–4 metres tall and wide but can reach 5–6 metres under optimal conditions, such as fertile soil, consistent moisture, and minimal pruning. It develops a naturally bushy, multi-stemmed structure with dark green, serrated leaves that turn yellow in autumn before winter dormancy.
Large, flat-topped clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers appear in spring, followed by juicy black berries rich in flavour and antioxidants. Elderberries focus on leafy growth in their first year, with fruit typically produced on second-year wood.
Climate Suitability
Elderberries thrive in cool, temperate, and arid climates across Australia. Once established, they are frost-tolerant and perform best in areas with distinct seasonal changes, requiring cold winter periods to encourage strong flowering and fruiting.
How to Plant
When to Plant: Plant canes from winter to early spring while dormant, ensuring the soil is workable and not frozen. In colder regions, planting can be delayed until late winter or early spring if needed.
Position: Select a spot with full sun to part shade, protected from strong winds.
Soil Preparation: Elderberries tolerate varied soils but thrive in loamy soil—a fertile, well-drained mix of sand, silt, and clay.
Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Place the cane slightly deeper than its original soil line, around 5–10 cm below the surface. Space plants 3–6 metres apart to allow room for mature growth and good airflow. Water well after planting.
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Consistent moisture is important, particularly during establishment and dry periods. Once established, elderberries are moderately drought resistant but will perform best with reliable watering during flowering and fruiting.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring each year. Compost or well-rotted manure can be added annually to improve soil structure. If growth or fruiting is poor, a second light feed after flowering may help.
Mulching: Apply a thick organic mulch such as compost, sugarcane, or lucerne to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from stems to prevent rot.
Pruning
Prune elderberries annually during winter while the plant is dormant. Remove dead, weak, or overcrowded branches to improve airflow and overall structure. For shrub-form plants, older stems more than three to four years old can be cut back to ground level to encourage new growth. For tree-form elderberries, thin the upper growth and remove older side branches to control height and maintain shape. Allow young plants to establish, applying only light formative pruning if needed.
Harvest
Flowers can be harvested in spring when fully open but before browning, and are used in cordials, syrups, teas, and desserts. Harvesting flowers may reduce berry yield.
Berries ripen from summer into early autumn, turning completely black, plump, and glossy. Cut entire clusters carefully to avoid damaging branches. Berries must be cooked thoroughly before eating, as raw berries can cause nausea and other symptoms. Cooked elderberries are ideal for jams, syrups, sauces, wines, and teas.
Pests and Diseases
Elderberries are generally hardy but can experience occasional issues.
Pests: Aphids may attack new shoots, causing leaf curling, and can be controlled with organic sprays or beneficial insects. Borers may sometimes affect stems; healthy plant maintenance helps minimise the risk.
Diseases: Fungal diseases, such as mildew, may occur in humid conditions. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent problems.
Safety
CAUTION: Leaves and roots are toxic and should not be eaten.
All parts of the plant, including raw berries, leaves, bark, and stems, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic if consumed without proper preparation. Always cook berries thoroughly before eating to neutralise harmful compounds and avoid nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Young children and pets should be monitored around elderberry plants.
Supplied as a bare-rooted cane.