elderberry

Look for bushy, ornamental varieties of Elderberry that produce attractive lacey cut-leaf and palmate foliage, similar to Japanese Maples, in colorful shades of purple, yellow and variegated. Elderberries bloom clusters of white to pink flowers in late spring/early summer that mature to berries when pollinated by another compatible Elderberry variety. They are adaptable and work well in shrub borders, as a specimen or backdrop for perennials.

Plant in well-drained to moist, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Prune after flowering to control size. Remove dead branches at any time. Feed at least twice during the growing season with a slow release fertilizer in early spring and again mid-summer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.