Elder Tree Bare Root Plant (Sambucus nigra)

Name: Elder Tree Bare Root Plant (Sambucus nigra)
SKU: HHG-BR-ELDER
Price: 8.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

£8.95

Two harvests. A lifetime of tradition.

A fast-growing forage giant, elder is famed for fragrant creamy flower clusters in early summer and rich black berries in autumn, long used in cordials, syrups and winter remedies.

Flowers: June
Harvest: Elderflower in summer, elderberries in September
Wildlife: Birds and pollinators
First harvest: typically year 2–3
Supplied as: a single field-grown bare root plant

Seasonal shipping notice
Bare root plants are despatched only in the dormant season, November to February, so they arrive asleep and establish strongly in spring.

Elder is also part of our Native Heal Foragers Hedge – Living Hedgerow Collection.

Botanical name: Sambucus nigra

Common name: Elder, Elderberry, Black Elder

Life cycle: Deciduous native shrub or small tree

Height: 3–6m; can be kept smaller with pruning

Spread: Up to 4m

Flowers: Creamy white, June

Position: Full sun or partial shade

Soil: Most soils; thrives in moist, fertile ground

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Suitable for containers: Yes, in a large container

Suitable for beginners: Yes

Pollinator value: High – flowers for pollinators, berries for birds

Planting

Location: Sun or partial shade. Grows well at the edge of a hedge or as a standalone shrub.

Planting time: November to March while the plant is dormant, whenever the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour before planting.

Spacing: Allow 1.5–2m from other shrubs, or plant in a mixed hedge at around 1m.

Care

Watering: Water after planting and through dry spells in its first year.

Feeding: A spring mulch of compost or well-rotted manure is enough.

Pruning: Cut out some of the oldest stems in late winter to keep the plant productive and to a manageable size.

Harvesting & Storage

Harvesting: Pick flower heads on a dry morning in June when freshly open. Gather berries in September when the clusters are fully black and drooping.

Storage: Use flowers fresh or dry them on a tray. Strip berries from the stalks and freeze or cook straight away.

UK Growing Conditions

Grows almost anywhere in the UK and establishes quickly, often giving a first harvest in year two or three.

Culinary Uses

Elderflowers make cordial, fritters and sparkling drinks. Elderberries are used in syrups, jams, pies and wines, and must always be cooked first.

Traditional Herbal Uses

Elderflower and elderberry have been used for generations in traditional winter syrups and teas.

Please note: Traditional uses are included for cultural and educational interest and are not medical advice. This product is sold as a garden plant. Seek professional advice before using any plant medicinally.

Wildlife & Garden Benefits

Flower heads attract hoverflies and bees, and the berries are an important autumn food for birds.

Bare root plants: Bare root plants are lifted from the field while dormant and despatched only between November and February. Orders placed now are reserved and sent at the right planting moment, with an email beforehand giving your delivery window.

On arrival: Plant as soon as possible. If you cannot plant straight away, keep the roots moist and wrapped, or heel the plants into a trench of soil until conditions allow.

Other items in your order: Seeds and garden supplies are normally despatched within 2–4 working days.