Sambucus nigra, commonly known as Elderflower or Black Elder, is a beautiful, fast-growing native deciduous shrub or small tree, producing large, fragrant clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring and early summer. These delicate, flat-topped blooms are particularly attractive to pollinators and are traditionally used to make elderflower cordial, champagne and other homemade preserves.
 
As summer progresses, the flowers develop into clusters of glossy, purple-black elderberries, providing a valuable food source for garden birds and wildlife. Exceptionally hardy and easy to grow, Sambucus nigra is ideal for wildlife gardens, informal hedging, woodland edges and naturalistic planting schemes. It tolerates a wide range of growing conditions and can be pruned to maintain a compact, manageable shape.
 
When to Sow: Feb–Apr or Sep–Oct
 
HOW TO SOW: Sow seeds into trays or pots of moist, well-drained seed compost with added horticultural sand or grit. Cover to approximately the depth of the seed with fine compost, sand or grit. Place in a cool, sheltered outdoor position or cold frame, keeping the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged.
 
Avoid artificial heat. Seeds generally germinate in spring following exposure to  cold winter temperatures, and germination can be slow and irregular. Some seeds may remain dormant until a second spring, so retain trays for at least two growing seasons. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots and grow on before planting into their final positions
 
Classification: Hardy deciduous shrub or small tree
Expert Level: Requires Experience
Germination Time: Variable 
Flowering Time: May–Jun
Site: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Most fertile, well-drained soils, including loam and clay
Soil Acidity: Acid to alkaline
Moisture: Moist but well-drained; tolerates a range of conditions once established
 
Care: Water young plants during dry periods and mulch annually with organic matter. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired size and shape. Established plants tolerate hard pruning
Use: Wildlife gardens, informal hedging, woodland edges, naturalistic planting, elderflower cordial and cooked elderberry preparations
 
Harvesting: Harvest flowerheads in May–Jun when fully open and fragrant, ideally on a dry day. Harvest ripe, purple-black berries in Aug–Sep. Elderberries must be properly cooked before consumption; avoid unripe berries, leaves and stems
Days to Maturity: Approximately 2–4 years to first flowering from seed, depending on growing conditions
Vase Life: Approximately 2–4 days; delicate flowers are best used fresh
Height: 3–6m or more if unpruned; can be maintained at 1.8–3m with regular pruning
Plant Spacing: 2–3m for individual shrubs; approximately 1–1.5m for informal hedging