Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
A deciduous shrub featuring opposite, pinnately compound leaves with serrated leaflets and prominent clusters of bright red spherical fruits.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Prefers consistently moist soils; requires regular watering during prolonged dry periods to prevent leaf scorch.
- Growth
- Deciduous multi-stemmed shrub with an upright, spreading growth habit, reaching mature heights and spreads of 8 to 12 feet.
Care instructions
Plant in moist, well-draining soil with regular watering during dry spells. Provide full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and fruit development.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Prefers consistently moist soils; requires regular watering during prolonged dry periods to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil
Adaptable to various soil types but thrives in rich, loamy, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 3 through 7.
Growth habit
Deciduous multi-stemmed shrub with an upright, spreading growth habit, reaching mature heights and spreads of 8 to 12 feet.
Bloom season
Blooms in mid-spring with pyramidal clusters of small, creamy-white flowers.
Propagation
Propagated easily through hardwood or softwood cuttings taken during the growing season, or via seed stratification.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and occasional aphid infestations, which can be managed with good air circulation and appropriate horticultural oils.
Similar species
American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), which typically features dark purple to black fruit clusters instead of bright red.