Top 20 Elderberry Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Elderberries are small, dark berries known for their antioxidant-rich properties and versatility in jams, jellies, syrups, and wines. These shrubs are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re growing them for their health benefits or culinary uses, selecting the right elderberry variety is key to a fruitful harvest. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 elderberry varieties to grow, along with essential tips for cultivating a healthy and productive crop.

1. Adams

Adams is one of the most popular elderberry varieties, known for its large clusters of dark berries and high yields. It’s perfect for making jams, syrups, and wines.

Tip: Plant Adams elderberries in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.

2. York

York elderberries produce large, sweet berries that are perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and preserves. The clusters are large and ripen later in the season.

Tip: York elderberries need a pollinator, so plant them alongside another variety like Adams for better fruit set.

3. Johns

Johns is a high-yielding variety with large, juicy berries. It ripens earlier than most varieties, making it ideal for extending the elderberry season.

Tip: Regular watering during dry periods will help ensure large, juicy berries. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

4. Nova

Nova is known for its sweet-tart flavor and medium-sized berries. It’s great for both fresh eating and processing into syrups and preserves.

Tip: Nova elderberries are partially self-fertile, but planting them with another variety like York will increase yields.

5. Black Beauty

Black Beauty is an ornamental elderberry variety that produces pink flowers and dark purple berries. It’s perfect for both decorative and culinary uses.

Tip: Black Beauty prefers full sun for the best fruit production but can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates.

6. Black Lace

Black Lace is a striking elderberry variety with deep purple, lacy leaves and pink flowers. It produces dark, tart berries that are ideal for syrups and jams.

Tip: Plant Black Lace in well-drained soil and prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy fruiting.

7. Samdal

Samdal elderberries are known for their large, dense fruit clusters and high yields. The berries have a sweet-tart flavor, making them great for culinary use.

Tip: Samdal benefits from cross-pollination with another variety like Samyl for increased fruit set.

8. Samyl

Samyl is a European variety that produces large, dark berries with a high juice content, perfect for winemaking and syrups.

Tip: Regular pruning of Samyl elderberries will help maintain good airflow and prevent diseases like powdery mildew.

9. Scotia

Scotia elderberries produce smaller berries but have an intense flavor, making them ideal for syrups and wines. The plants are hardy and productive.

Tip: Mulch around the base of the Scotia elderberry to retain soil moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.

10. Kent

Kent elderberries are a cold-hardy variety that produces medium-sized, sweet berries. It ripens earlier than most, making it a great choice for northern climates.

Tip: Plant Kent in full sun and provide consistent watering during the growing season to ensure good berry size and flavor.

11. Marge

Marge is a hybrid variety, combining European and American elderberries. It produces large, dark berries with a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for fresh eating and processing.

Tip: Marge requires another variety for pollination, such as Nova or Adams, for better fruit set.

12. Scotia

Scotia is a Canadian elderberry variety that produces small, intensely flavorful berries, making it perfect for syrups, wines, and medicinal use.

Tip: Scotia thrives in cooler climates and benefits from a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and improve fruit production.

13. Wildwood

Wildwood elderberries are prized for their large, sweet-tart berries and high juice content, making them excellent for wines and syrups.

Tip: Wildwood elderberries perform best in full sun and benefit from regular feeding with organic compost in early spring.

14. Donau

Donau is a European elderberry variety known for its large, juicy berries and high productivity. It’s ideal for making juice, syrups, and wines.

Tip: Plant Donau in well-drained soil and water consistently during dry spells to prevent the berries from becoming too small.

15. Instant Karma

Instant Karma is an ornamental elderberry variety with striking variegated leaves and dark berries. It’s perfect for both decorative purposes and fruit production.

Tip: Instant Karma thrives in full sun and benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy fruiting.

16. Sampo

Sampo is a European elderberry variety known for its large clusters of juicy, sweet-tart berries. It’s perfect for syrups, wines, and jellies.

Tip: Sampo benefits from cross-pollination with Samdal or another elderberry variety for the best fruit production.

17. Wyldewood

Wyldewood is a vigorous elderberry variety that produces large clusters of dark, flavorful berries, ideal for making syrups and wines.

Tip: Mulch heavily around the base of Wyldewood elderberries to conserve moisture and reduce competition from weeds.

18. Cutleaf

Cutleaf elderberries are an ornamental variety known for their deeply lobed leaves and small, dark berries that are perfect for syrups and jellies.

Tip: Plant Cutleaf in full sun for the best fruit production and prune annually to maintain its ornamental appearance.

19. Donauwelle

Donauwelle is a high-yielding elderberry variety that produces large, sweet berries with high juice content, perfect for making wine.

Tip: Water Donauwelle regularly during dry periods and ensure it’s planted in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

20. Red Elderberry

Red elderberries produce vibrant red berries that are not typically eaten fresh but are used in ornamental landscapes and to attract wildlife.

Tip: Red elderberries prefer cooler climates and partial shade, making them ideal for northern regions with cooler summers.

Tips for Growing Elderberries Successfully

1. Full sun or partial shade: Elderberries thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Full sun encourages better fruit production.
2. Well-drained soil: Elderberries prefer well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting them in waterlogged areas, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Consistent watering: Elderberries need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of elderberry plants to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Prune annually: Prune elderberries in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and encourage new growth. This will improve air circulation and fruit production.
6. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to encourage healthy growth and high yields. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.
7. Pollination: Most elderberries benefit from cross-pollination, so plant at least two varieties near each other to increase fruit set and yield.
8. Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and elderberry borers. Use organic or chemical treatments as needed to protect your plants.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for elderberry plants to produce fruit?
Elderberry plants typically start producing fruit in their second or third year after planting, with full yields by the fourth or fifth year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant elderberries?
The best time to plant elderberries is in early spring or late fall, when the plant is dormant and can establish its root system before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water elderberries?
Water elderberries deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.

Q4: Can elderberries be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact elderberry varieties can be grown successfully in large containers with good drainage and regular watering.

Q5: How do I protect elderberries from birds?
Birds love elderberries, so consider using bird netting or other deterrents to protect the fruit as it ripens.