Though they are not wide known , elderberries are one of the most versatile and productive plants in the garden globe .

aboriginal to many section of the United States , they have extend subtlety , trade protection , beautiful flowers , and tasty berries to their keepers and the local wildlife for generations . In short , they require very piddling care and give back so much !

Whether you choose to grow them as a hedge , a placefor butterflies to claver , or for food and medicinal recipes , you wo n’t be let down by the benefit they volunteer .

A close up horizontal image of elderberries growing in the garden with foliage in soft focus in the background.

And this plant life is hearty enough for even first - time agriculturist to master .

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If you live in a uprise zone that is pleasing to this shrub , I highly urge giving elderberries a chance .

A mass of black elderberries hanging on a branch.

you could certainlypropagate existing plant from cuttingsor suckers – specially if you are golden to have them growing wild in your region . But many gardeners pick out to grease one’s palms proven varieties from nurseries and garden centers .

We ’ve identified seven of our favorite cultivars for the habitation nurseryman to include :

Best Elderberry Varieties to Grow at Home

1. Adams

‘ hug drug ’ is a cultivar of nativeSambucus canadensis . It is one of the most mutual elderberries grow in North America and is similar to those found raise wild .

‘ Adams ’

The signature blank flowers , and large clusters of dark purple fruits , make it easily identifiable as a beautiful yard accent mark .

A collage of photos showing different types of elderberries.

At full height , this beautiful bush can reach between six and 10 foot tall . It will thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9 .

Find alive industrial plant for sale in # 3 containersfrom Nature Hills Nursery .

Alternatively , you’re able to purchase ‘ Adams ’ and ‘ John ’ planted together in a two - gallon containerfrom Fast Growing Trees .

A close up vertical image of an elderberry shrub growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine. To the top and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

2. Black Beauty

An import from Europe , Black Beauty ® akaS. nigra‘Gerda , ’ has very dark leaves , pinkish flush , and a unique Citrus limon odour .

It is best fit for turn in Zones 4 to 7 and prefers moist or even cockeyed growing condition .

Black Beauty

A square image of ‘Adams’ elderberry growing in a sunny garden.

A smaller elderberry smorgasbord , this plant will grow to no more than six foot marvelous at adulthood , butresponds well to pruning .

Like other bourtree , it produces luscious fruits that have become democratic for making delicious vino . Buy two to control right pollenation .

you could observe this plant for sale as a potted shrubfrom Nature Hills Nursery .

A close up square image of the bright pink flowers of Black Beauty elderberry shrub pictured on a soft focus background.

3. Black Lace

Black Lace ® akaS. nigra‘Eva ’ has benighted leave-taking that seem lacy throughout the grow season . When the flowers bloom , you ’ll be delighted to find that they are pinkish !

This plant also produces the same various Charles Edward Berry as other more common varietals .

Black Lace

A close up square image of the lacy foliage and pink flowers of Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’ aka Black Lace.

Many gardener find that the plant ’s need for moisture pull in it a everlasting rain garden addition .

A piece smaller than other bushes , these plant will develop to just eight foot improbable at full height . It ’s easy to prune , so feel free to cut back it to the height that crop well with your landscape painting intention plans .

Black Lace ® thrives in Zones 4 to 7 . It isavailable in # 1 containers from Nature Hills Nursery .

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4. Blue

S. ceruleais native to the western United States , Mexico , and the West Coast .

With large , powdery - blue berries , it can sometimes be confused forum contour of blueberry bush . The fruits on this stunning bush are known for have a rich flavor .

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This species dissent from cultivated variety in that it develop best from germ .

It prosper in warmer region , and therefore is well suited for geographical zone 3 through 10 . At maturity date , it can reach a summit of 10 to 30 metrical foot , with a spread of 18 feet under ideal growing conditions .

Seeds for this unique plant areavailable from Amazon .

A close up square image of Lemony Lace elderberry shrub growing in the garden.

5. Instant Karma

S. nigraInstant Karma ® feature film variegated green and snowy foliage and glum violet yield , making it a beautiful thou accent .

Owners of the plant life are commonly stunned by how birds andpollinatorsare attracted to the large , showy white flower . butterfly stroke are almost always nearby !

Instant Karma

A close up square image of the foliage and berries of Sambucus canadensis ‘York’.

flora with Black Lace ® or Black Beauty ® for pollination .

you may bear this variety to reach a mature height of six to eight feet . Instant Karma ® is desirable for cultivation in Zones 4 to 7 .

Find plants in quart - size of it containersavailable from Proven Winners via Amazon .

York and Adams elderberry with white flowers and dark purple fruit, on a shrub with green leaves.

6. Lemony Lace

Lemony Lace ® ,S. racemosa‘SMNSRD4 , ’ is a very hardy and showy plant life that has feathery , abstemious - colored leafage , and produces red fruits in the fall , after the clean flower bunch have died aside .

Lemony Lace

Amazingly deer- , cold- , and wind - insubordinate , it does well in full Dominicus and is a prized industrial plant in the northerly United States . It ’s versatile enough , however , to thrive in partial shade in southerly land as well .

A small cultivar , this type typically attains a height and spread of three to five feet at matureness .

Plant in Zones 3 to 7 and enjoy this adaptable industrial plant with its unambiguously beautiful chartreuse color .

Please note that some experts caution against eating the yield fromS. racemosacultivars , specifically those with violent Charles Edward Berry .

Lemony Lace ® isavailable from Nature Hills Nursery in # 3 containers .

7. York

AnotherS. canadensiscultivar , ‘ York ’ is account to have the big Charles Edward Berry and the highest fruit output .

This resilient strain is also stale tolerant , making it a perfect choice for Zones 3 to 9 . Many growers use it as a natural fencing resolution , since bushes can produce up to 12 ft tall .

‘ York ’

Fall bring about a beautiful colour change in this industrial plant . leaf becomes bright red before dropping off for the wintertime .

‘ House of York ’ isavailable as two- to three - feet bare roots or bush in # 3 containers from Nature Hills Nursery .

Elderberry Collection , 2 Bare Root Plants

Though most varieties of elderberry are self - fruit , you could further high yields by planting another cultivar of the same specie nearby .

‘ York ’ and ‘ Adams ’ make excellent companions , and you’re able to buy bare root plant paired conveniently in the Elderberry Collection that isavailable from Burpee .

Which Plant is Best?

With so many option to pick out from , it may be hard to decide on a favorite . as luck would have it , most European elder develop well together , give you the choice to sample multiple types for a rainbow of florals .

If it is your first time grow , you will belike do well with an establish crotch hair in a pot .

think of that every breed prosper in moisture and works well in butterfly stroke ecosystems . You ca n’t go ill-timed with the benefits that these varieties supply !

And since we know that you ’re an elderberry fan , be certain tocheck out our some of our other guidessuch as :

© require the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally release March 8 , 2019 . Last updated : August 30th , 2023 . merchandise photos via Burpee , Hirt ’s Gardens , Proven Winners , and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited pic : Shutterstock .

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Linsey Knerl