Elderberries

Growing Elderberry

Plant in full sun or partial shade. They are suitable for most soil types. Here in the Bay of Plenty we find they do better with some shade during the hot summer.

Elderberries do produce new runners each season so will need to be managed to maintain their shape.

They produce white flower clusters in spring followed by purple berries. Flower heads and berries are both edible although the berries should not be consumed raw.

Using Elderberry

The flowers are commonly used to flavour drinks, jellies & jams while the berries are often boiled to form a syrup. Check out a basic syrup recipe here.

Great to use in hedgerow/shelters for temperate climate guilds. Plant with garlic, Comfrey, borage, dill, chives and nasturtium.