Black elder »The most important planting and care instructions

The preferred location

As a native wood, elder Sambucus nigra is perfectly adapted to the regional climate and soil conditions. Therefore, black elder is one of the most common types of shrub. Among the following Site conditions he develops his optimum:

• a sunny location up to light shade
• nutritious soil, rich in valuable humus
• like airy and permeable
• preferably not too dry, but fresh and moist
• tolerant of moderate lime content

Planting time is twice a year

Flexibility is a key characteristic of elder Sambucus nigra. This also applies to the choice of a suitable planting date. In autumn the wood quickly stretches out its roots in the sun-warm soil and has established itself excellently in time for winter. Who misses this point in time, plants Black elder in early spring from March / April.

Step-by-step instructions on how to plant properly

Before the actual planting is tackled, the root balls take their place in a container with water. Here they should be soaked until no more air bubbles rise. Meanwhile, the following work is taking place at the selected location:

• Weed the soil meticulously and clean it of roots or stones
• the bottom 1-2 spade loosen up deeply
• Enrich the bed soil with sifted compost and horn shavings
• Create a planting pit with twice the volume of the root ball
• Insert the potted elderberry Sambucus nigra as deep as it was before
• Fill the planting hole with soil, kick it down and water it

If the planting of several specimens is planned, place one elder Sambucus nigra per running meter. Since it is a Shallow root its large-scale expansion requires a sufficient distance from masonry and paved areas. A distance of 200-300 centimeters is recommended in this regard.

Water and fertilize well

It is obvious that an imposing elderberry Sambucus nigra is no starvation artist. In order to produce the enormous biomass, a sufficient amount of energy is required. This goes hand in hand with an adequate water supply, because the wood sometimes reacts very indignantly to drought. So pour and fertilize You in the right measure:

• if there is no rain, elder Sambucus nigra is watered regularly
• the water immediately on the Tree grate give and not over flowers and leaves
• from March every 3-4 weeks with 3-4 liters of compost per square meter fertilize
• Additionally Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) and Primary rock meal administer
• alternatively a mineral one Slow release fertilizer apply in March and June

From August onwards, an elderberry Sambucus nigra will no longer receive any fertilizer, as branches that have sprout will no longer ripen before winter. They would freeze to death and significantly weaken the plant's resistance. It is important to note that the shrub is watered on frost-free days in winter. If there is no snow, the black elder is at risk of considerable drought stress.

Cut according to plan

An elder Sambucus nigra will show acceptable growth even without regular pruning. With a strategically wise one Cut back entice experienced hobby gardeners, however, a spectacular silhouette, combined with a magnificent bloom and lush berry harvest. So take a little time for the following protocol of a skilful shape and maintenance cut:

• the ideal time to cut is in the months after the harvest, from November to March
• Completely cut off harvested shoots or shorten them by two thirds
• Cut off dry, stunted or diseased branches at the base
• If possible, do not cut young shoots with the bud systems for the next season
• too long, thin rods shorten to just above a sleeping eye

An elder Sambucus nigra receives its first cut in the second year after planting, so that it can develop its natural habitus first. Then you are free to turn the wood into one High trunk to educate. This measure is primarily of interest for small gardens. To do this, determine a strong shoot to the main stem and consistently remove all side shoots up to the desired crown height.

Nice varieties

Do you always associate elder Sambucus nigra with the creamy white flowers and the purple-black fruits? Then get to know the decorative varieties to bring even more variety into the garden. The cultivation 'Black Beauty' captivates with a pink flower and dramatic brown-red leaves. The elder Sambucus nigra var is a fascinating rarity. albida therefore with delicious, yellow-green berries.

Tips & Tricks

With each pruning, you have plenty of material in your hands for propagation. In winter, elderberry Sambucus nigra can be bred easily by means of Cuttings. Cut to a length of 15-20 centimeters, place three quarters of the woody cuttings in a pot of peat sand. Water is only poured when the first buds appear.

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