Red Elderberry (sambucus racemosa)

• Attractive deciduous shrub with creamy-white spring flowers, clusters of bright red berries in summer/autumn.
• Excellent for wildlife: flowers attract pollinators; berries provide food for birds; stems offer nesting sites for bees
• Ornamental value in gardens, hedges, or woodland edges; tolerant of chalky and heavy clay soils
• Hardy in UK climates; less commonly used for edible purposes than black elderberry due to higher toxicity in raw berries

Planting Guide

• Best time: Plant bare-root in dormant season (late autumn to early spring)
• Site: Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil but adapts to most types, including chalky or clay
• Spacing: 2-4m apart (typically 2.5-4m height/spread)
• Preparation: Dig a hole twice the root width; incorporate organic matter; mulch after planting to retain moisture
• Care: Water regularly in first year; prune hard in early spring for vigorous growth.
• Caution: All parts toxic if eaten raw (wear gloves when handling); berries edible only when cooked and deseeded, but less recommended than native elderberry