Black Elder Hedging | Sambucus nigra
Elderflower cordial, anyone?
Grown by Cameron
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Bare Root Plant (5-7 per metre)
50-80cm inc. roots on arrival
Choose your size
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Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Black Elder Hedging
Sambucus nigra
- A fast growing deciduous UK native plant that magically repels rabbits
- Black Elder flowers in June and July, with large flat heads of creamy white blooms, followed by clusters of dark berries on red stems
- A fully hardy plant which will reach a height of approx 4m but can easily be maintained at 1-4m
- Low maintenance and tolerant of any soil conditions - grow in full sun or partial shade
- Attractive to birds and insects
- Grow as a single species or as part of a mixed native hedge for a natural look
- Edible flowers and fruit - try making elderflower cordial or elderberry wine!
What to expect
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
While the Black Elder Hedging is primarily used for hedging, it can be kept in a large container (at least 50 litres) for its first few years.
How big does it get?
The Black Elder Hedging typically reaches a mature height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres.
How much sunlight does this need?
The Black Elder Hedging generally prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden boundaries.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
The Black Elder Hedging is versatile and will grow well in most soil types, provided they are relatively well-drained.
How much watering does this plant need?
The Black Elder Hedging needs deep watering of about 25 to 50 millimetres per week during its establishment phase, after which it becomes more drought-tolerant.
Will this plant need pruning?
The Black Elder Hedging does not strictly need pruning, but can be lightly trimmed to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.
How hardy is this plant?
Sambucus nigra is fully hardy with an RHS rating of H6, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C and performing reliably throughout the UK.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Cameron
Putting shrubs in the starlight (and boy do they shine…)
Cameron is mad about plants, which is lucky, really, because he’s absolutely surrounded by them here at the nursery. Having studied at the Student Plant Unit at Pershore College, Cameron went on to compete at the Grand Finals for the 2022 Horticulturist of the Year Awards. With a team of dedicated growers on hand to help, Cameron utilises our industry-leading nursery (and the lovely, fertile conditions of the Cotswolds) to grow shrubs that aren’t just good-looking, they’re good-growing too.
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