Caring for Elder

Once established, elder needs little attention. Water during prolonged dry spells in spring and summer, particularly if the shrub is in full sun or sandy soil, but avoid overwatering—elder tolerates moderate moisture and dislikes sitting in wet ground. In most years, rainfall will suffice. Feed in March or April with a general-purpose granular fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone or Growmore, scattered in a circle around the base at roughly 70 g per square metre, then lightly forked or watered in. A top-up of mulch (well-rotted compost or bark) in early spring helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improves soil structure. Keep mulch a few centimetres clear of the stems. Elder is fully hardy across temperate Europe (zone 4a–8b) and requires no winter protection. It is deciduous and will drop its leaves in autumn. Pests are rarely a problem, though blackfly (aphids) can cluster on soft new growth in spring; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them, or tolerate them—they seldom cause lasting harm. Leaves may develop powdery mildew in dry summers, appearing as a white coating; this is unsightly but not serious. Improve air circulation by thinning congested stems during winter pruning. Both flowers and berries are edible and widely used for cordials, wine, and preserves, but always cook berries before eating—raw berries and all other parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, unripe fruit) are mildly toxic. Pick flowers in late spring and berries in late summer when fully ripe and dark purple-black.