A classic bushy hedging plant native to the UK. The fragrant summer flowers make a delicious cordial, both flowers and autumn berries have long been widely used in rural winemaking. Characteristics Flower Colour: white Foliage Colour: green, turning pale yellow in autumn Approx. Growth Height: 4-6m (13-20ft) Flowering Period: summer Tolerance: wet tolerant, exposure tolerant Growing Habit: bushy Hardiness: fully hardy Exposure: exposed, sheltered Rate of Growth: medium Final Size if Untrimmed: large shrub Wildlife: attracts bees and other insects Arrives bare-root at a height of 45-60cm (1'6-2ft) Requirements Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade Soil Requirements: all soils Moisture: moist but well-drained Planting Planting Distance: 60cm (2ft) Elderberry can be planted from November to March, when the hedge is dormant. Ensure that the area where you are going to plant the hedge is clear and weed-free. Caring and Maintenance Should be pruned in winter, just after planting, and for two years after that. On planting, cut back leading shoots and side shoots by one-third, cutting to a well placed bud. Repeat this in the second winter to prevent straggly growth and thicken up the hedge base. Then trim every June after that. Maintain at 90-180cm (3-6ft) or as taller hedges or screens.
