Pruning Elder

Elder flowers on the current season's growth, so pruning in late autumn or winter—November and December are ideal—encourages a flush of vigorous new shoots that will carry the following year's blossom and berries. Pruning also keeps this fast-growing shrub within bounds and prevents it becoming a sprawling tangle of old wood. Use sharp bypass secateurs for stems up to pencil thickness and a pruning saw for anything thicker. For a mature elder, the simplest approach is to cut back about one-third of the oldest stems to ground level each year, removing the thickest, woodiest growth. This rejuvenates the plant gradually and maintains a balance of young and older wood. If your elder has become overgrown or neglected, you can cut the entire shrub down to 30–60 cm from the ground in one go; it will regenerate vigorously the following spring, though you'll sacrifice one season's flowers and fruit. If you're growing elder primarily for foliage—particularly ornamental cultivars with coloured leaves—you can prune harder, cutting all stems back to a low framework each winter. This produces lush, large leaves on strong new growth. For a more natural, informal shape with maximum flowers and berries, prune lightly, removing only dead, damaged, or crossing branches and thinning out congested growth. Wear gloves; the foliage has an unpleasant smell when bruised. Always prune above an outward-facing bud to encourage an open habit. Clear away prunings promptly—elder wood rots down slowly.