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How to Care Sambucus
How to Care Sambucus , Growing Sambucus , Caring for Sambucus
Sambucus requires moderate care. It thrives best in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and is less tolerant to heat. Major challenges include pests like aphids, sawfly larvae, and elder beetle, and diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots. Sambucus is vulnerable to frost and needs protection in winter. Spring is the best season for pruning to maintain plant health and shape.
Watering Frequency
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Sambucus ?
Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Originating from regions with moderate moisture, sambucus has adapted to a balanced water regimen, showing resilience in both slightly moist and dry conditions. Its native habitat's climate contributes to its preference for evenly distributed hydration without the risk of waterlogging. Regular watering once every 1-2 weeks suffices to maintain its vigor. Given that sambucus is typically cultivated outdoors, it thrives when rainfall patterns complement its watering schedule, especially during its active growing season which is closely tied to water availability.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sambucus ?
Ideal Lighting: Full sun
Sambucus naturally thrives in a variety of temperate to subtropical habitats, often in areas that provide partial shade. Optimal lighting conditions include bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light, which supports vigorous growth and successful photosynthesis while preventing foliage scorch. Sambucus requires prolonged exposure to light daily, but direct midday sun can be detrimental. To mimic these conditions, gardeners should place sambucus in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade, or use shading techniques in greenhouses to diffuse intense light. Adequate lighting promotes robust growth and is pivotal for the flowering cycle and fruit production in sambucus .
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Sambucus ?
Propagation Type: Sowing, Cutting, Division
For sambucus , primary propagation methods include seeds, hardwood cuttings, and division. A warm stratification period followed by a cold stratification is beneficial for seed germination. Optimal cutting success requires semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. The plant thrives in well-draining soil, partial to full sun, and temperate climates. Propagation of sambucus is moderately difficult due to its need for stratification and precise cutting timing.
To propagate by cuttings:
- Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems,
- Cut into 6-8 inch lengths,
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone,
- Plant in a mix of peat and perlite,
- Water consistently, keeping the soil moist,
- Provide bright, indirect light,
- Transplant once rooted.
How to Plant Sambucus ?
Planting Time: Spring, Fall
The sambucus prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. To plant these hardy shrubs, first enrich the soil with organic matter. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the sambucus in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is at ground level. Once positioned, backfill with soil, firming gently. Water thoroughly and mulch the area to conserve moisture. Note, while these are general guidelines, different sambucus species may have specific needs. Always check species-specific advice.
Key Facts About Sambucus
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Attributes of Sambucus
Water
Average water needs, watering when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.
Sunlight
Full sun
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Soil
Chalky, Loam, Clay, Sand
Propagation
Sowing, Cutting, Division
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
Summer
Scientific Classification of Sambucus
More Info About Sambucus
Types of Sambucus
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Fern-leaved Elderberry
Fern-leaved Elderberry produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of fern-leaved Elderberry.
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' is a Red elderberry cultivar noted for the multi-seasonal interest provided by the spectacular colors of its lacy foliage. The leaf buds emerge bronze-red and eventually turn to golden yellow, unlike its parent plant which has green leaves through most of the growing season. When grown in shade, the foliage becomes more lime green.
Elder 'Guincho Purple'
Elder 'Guincho Purple' is an elder with a difference, sporting deep-colored, purple-tinged leaves rather than the usual vibrant green. This plant is a cultivar of the European elder, also called Sambucus nigra. It features "Purple" in its name for obvious foliage-related reasons.
Elderberries 'Gerda'
Elderberries 'Gerda' is also known as 'black beauty' for its dramatic purple-black leaves which are much more attention-grabbing than the plain green leaves of the parent. This comparatively recent hybrid was developed in England. The bright purple berries attract birds to the garden. This resilient shrub grows well in many types of soil.
Elder 'Eiffel 1'
The elder 'Eiffel 1' stands out for its dark purple leaves and its tall, slender shape, reminiscent of the Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eiffel 1'. In contrast, most elders have green leaves and a rounded, bushy shape. Its fruit attracts butterflies and birds. It thrives in direct sun and this hybrid makes an excellent specimen shrub.
Elder 'Eva'
Elder 'Eva' is a most striking elderberry hybrid that features pink-white flowers and deep burgundy leaves. These adaptations make this a far more showy variety than its green-leaved parent. It can be grown as a specimen shrub or shaped into screens or hedging. Its deer resistance gives it added garden appeal.
Elder
Elder is a malodorous shrub whose berries nevertheless act as an important food source for birds. To humans, except for its flowers and ripen fruits, other parts are poisonous. Ripen fruits can be cooked and made into jams, jellies and chutneys, while flowers could be made into syrups, but it is recommended to be guided by a professional before picking.
Variegated black elder
Two-colored, or variegated, leaves give Variegated black elder its name and make it stand out from other elders. Variegated black elder is quite a high-maintenance shrub but rewards growers with several seasons of interest. It is ideal as a hedge or screen but also looks great in mass plantings. Both its white flowers and red berries attract animals to the garden.
More Similar Plants
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Tetradoxa
Tetradoxa contains the single species. It is endemic to China, where it is known only from Sichuan. This species has a stem 10 to 20 cm long with a few basal leaves and one pair of oppositely arranged stem leaves. It produces an inflorescence of 3 to 5 yellow-green flowers.
Sambucus
Sambucus produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of sambucus .
Adoxa
Adoxa is a genus of plants containing two species.
Viburnum
Viburnum is a group of large flowering shrubs with many species and cultivars that are popular in home gardens. Most viburnum species have fragrant flowers ranging from white to pink that typically flower during spring. Usually, these species are grown as garden shrubs although some species can become trees.
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About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
Sambucus
Sambucus
Sambucus requires moderate care. It thrives best in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and is less tolerant to heat. Major challenges include pests like aphids, sawfly larvae, and elder beetle, and diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots. Sambucus is vulnerable to frost and needs protection in winter. Spring is the best season for pruning to maintain plant health and shape.
Watering Frequency
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
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Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Sambucus ?
Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
Originating from regions with moderate moisture, sambucus has adapted to a balanced water regimen, showing resilience in both slightly moist and dry conditions. Its native habitat's climate contributes to its preference for evenly distributed hydration without the risk of waterlogging. Regular watering once every 1-2 weeks suffices to maintain its vigor. Given that sambucus is typically cultivated outdoors, it thrives when rainfall patterns complement its watering schedule, especially during its active growing season which is closely tied to water availability.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sambucus ?
Ideal Lighting: Full sun
Sambucus naturally thrives in a variety of temperate to subtropical habitats, often in areas that provide partial shade. Optimal lighting conditions include bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light, which supports vigorous growth and successful photosynthesis while preventing foliage scorch. Sambucus requires prolonged exposure to light daily, but direct midday sun can be detrimental. To mimic these conditions, gardeners should place sambucus in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade, or use shading techniques in greenhouses to diffuse intense light. Adequate lighting promotes robust growth and is pivotal for the flowering cycle and fruit production in sambucus .
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Sambucus ?
Propagation Type: Sowing, Cutting, Division
For sambucus , primary propagation methods include seeds, hardwood cuttings, and division. A warm stratification period followed by a cold stratification is beneficial for seed germination. Optimal cutting success requires semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. The plant thrives in well-draining soil, partial to full sun, and temperate climates. Propagation of sambucus is moderately difficult due to its need for stratification and precise cutting timing.
To propagate by cuttings:
- Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems,
- Cut into 6-8 inch lengths,
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone,
- Plant in a mix of peat and perlite,
- Water consistently, keeping the soil moist,
- Provide bright, indirect light,
- Transplant once rooted.
How to Plant Sambucus ?
Planting Time: Spring, Fall
The sambucus prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. To plant these hardy shrubs, first enrich the soil with organic matter. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the sambucus in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is at ground level. Once positioned, backfill with soil, firming gently. Water thoroughly and mulch the area to conserve moisture. Note, while these are general guidelines, different sambucus species may have specific needs. Always check species-specific advice.
How to Grow and Care for Gardenia
Feedback
Attributes of Sambucus
Water
Average water needs, watering when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.
Sunlight
Full sun
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Soil
Chalky, Loam, Clay, Sand
Propagation
Sowing, Cutting, Division
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
Summer
Scientific Classification of Sambucus
Types of Sambucus
Feedback
Fern-leaved Elderberry
Fern-leaved Elderberry produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of fern-leaved Elderberry.
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' is a Red elderberry cultivar noted for the multi-seasonal interest provided by the spectacular colors of its lacy foliage. The leaf buds emerge bronze-red and eventually turn to golden yellow, unlike its parent plant which has green leaves through most of the growing season. When grown in shade, the foliage becomes more lime green.
Elder 'Guincho Purple'
Elder 'Guincho Purple' is an elder with a difference, sporting deep-colored, purple-tinged leaves rather than the usual vibrant green. This plant is a cultivar of the European elder, also called Sambucus nigra. It features "Purple" in its name for obvious foliage-related reasons.
Elderberries 'Gerda'
Elderberries 'Gerda' is also known as 'black beauty' for its dramatic purple-black leaves which are much more attention-grabbing than the plain green leaves of the parent. This comparatively recent hybrid was developed in England. The bright purple berries attract birds to the garden. This resilient shrub grows well in many types of soil.
Show More Plants
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Tetradoxa
Tetradoxa contains the single species. It is endemic to China, where it is known only from Sichuan. This species has a stem 10 to 20 cm long with a few basal leaves and one pair of oppositely arranged stem leaves. It produces an inflorescence of 3 to 5 yellow-green flowers.
Sambucus
Sambucus produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of sambucus .
Adoxa
Adoxa is a genus of plants containing two species.
Viburnum
Viburnum is a group of large flowering shrubs with many species and cultivars that are popular in home gardens. Most viburnum species have fragrant flowers ranging from white to pink that typically flower during spring. Usually, these species are grown as garden shrubs although some species can become trees.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
