When to plant Elder?

Elder is remarkably unfussy about position and will grow in full sun, partial shade, or even full shade, though flowering and fruiting are best in brighter spots. It tolerates a wide range of soils—loam, clay, sand, or chalk—provided drainage is reasonable. Avoid waterlogged ground, but elder copes well with damp conditions that would trouble many other shrubs. Plant bare-root or container-grown specimens between October and March, avoiding periods when the soil is frozen or waterlogged. The ideal window is October to December or February to March. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and roughly the same depth. Fork over the base to break up compaction, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted compost or manure into the backfill if your soil is poor, though elder establishes readily even without amendment. Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Space plants 300 cm apart if you're planting a hedge or group; elder grows large and fast, reaching 3–7 metres in height and 2–5 metres across at maturity. Water thoroughly after planting—give each plant a full watering can—to settle the roots. Apply a 5–8 cm layer of mulch (garden compost, bark, or leaf mould) around the base, keeping it clear of the stem to prevent rot. No staking is usually necessary; elder establishes quickly and develops a sturdy, multi-stemmed framework. Water during dry spells in the first growing season until the roots have spread into the surrounding soil.