Wyldewood Elderberry

Size

For the most delicious jams, jellies and even wine, try growing Wyldewood Elderberry. Sambucus canadensis 'Wyldewood', as it is also known, is a native shrub that produces massive 12-inch clusters of scented white flowers that later develop into black-purple fruits. Growing to 5 to 8 feet tall, it is a manageable Sambucus that is also loved by wildlife. The Wyldewood Elderberry is a hardy shrub that is suitable for growing in zones 3 to 9. It is deer resistant but the pollinators and birds love it when it flowers and then fruits in August. Ornate in its own right, the Wyldewood Elderberry can be grown at the back of a border or with other soft fruits. Wyldewood Elderberry Care You can grow the Wyldewood Elderberry in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate most soils, including poorer substrates as long as they are well drained. When watering, aim for a moist soil without oversaturating the planting area. A year after planting, you can begin to fertilize in spring with a slow-release, balanced feed. No pruning is required for the first two years. After that, you can remove dead, damaged and mature growth (over three years old) when dormant in late fall. Wyldewood Elderberry Spacing Over time the Wyldewood Elderberry can grow to 5 to 8 feet tall and wide. As a vigorous shrub, a plant spacing of 5 to 8 feet is recommended.