Sambucus (Elderberry)
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I remember an article some time ago (a cpl of yrs? not sure if it was FG) about different types of elders -- elderberry BUSH types, not trees. I had a wonderful common one that sprang up in the rear of my former garden, 10-12 ft high, and the birds went crazy for the berries. Since I try to plant everything with wildlife in mind, I'd love to have another at the back of one of my new gardens. Does anyone remember where/when that article appeared? Or if not, can anyone recommend a good source for sambucus? Thanks......
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(post #14383, reply #1 of 9)
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It was FG, try Jan/Feb '98. I think I'm too southerly for most of those covered in the article. Bummer.
(post #14383, reply #2 of 9)
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I keep talking-up Raintree and Edible Landscapes.
"raintreenursery.com." But get their catalogue too; it is so stuffed full of information that I copy pages for quick reference in the field of my most recent acquisitions. I cannot find my old Edible Landscapes but if you do not suffer plantlust prior you will after; another reference catalogue. Millers is another standby--they always have big offings. And our Wis. native J.W.Jung is always reasonable. I have a sneaking suspicion at about this time of the year you could probably successfully callous off for a week or two in refridg or even just plain root in soil less mix some cuttings of your own off the existing shrub. That's an excellent project for itchy planting fingers! ;)
(post #14383, reply #3 of 9)
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Edible Landscapes has a web site: http://www.eat-it.com They have Elderberry bushes listed. Karen, they indicate they are hardy zone 3-9, the variegated is only 5-8, but they all should be good for you.
(post #14383, reply #4 of 9)
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Ann, I think they survive but don't thrive. My variegated one is in it's third spot as of this winter, never having amounted to much. Of the ornamental varieties, I've heard that the gold and cut-leaved cultivars tend to burn in the summer here and the purple leaved ones all bleach out. I am going to try some of our natives this year though.
(post #14383, reply #5 of 9)
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Why wouldn't they grow for you, Karen?
(post #14383, reply #6 of 9)
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Jeana, a lot of the elderberries in that article were S. nigra cultivars. Those are the ones I got so excited about when I read that issue and was referring to here. I've never seen very many of them for sale around here and have only tried the 'Marginata'. But I've read in a number of places that S. nigra is less tolerant of southeastern heat and drought than our native S. canadensis.
(post #14383, reply #7 of 9)
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I've got lancianata (?) which I think is a nigra and it's gotten quite big. But it was much happier on the creek bank then where it is now. It was glorious there, but took up entirely too much real estate.
(post #14383, reply #8 of 9)
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I have a native variegated. I think it's just called 'Variegata'. Its small (just got it last spring) but it seems to be doing fine.
(post #14383, reply #9 of 9)
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Thanks, Karen! And everyone else, too. I just found the issue (in my stacks of mags on the basement shelves -- isn't it WONDERFUL when you can actually FIND something?!?). Anyway, I appreciate all the help. I just loved the one I had, even though it was nothing special. Beautiful flowers & berries -- and yes, they tasted great, if you could grab some before the birds. They were particular favorites of the catbirds. Thanks again, Jan.