Description
Sambucus nigra – Common Elder Hedging Plants
Sambucus nigra, commonly known as the Common Elder, is a versatile and fast-growing hedging plant that combines ornamental beauty with ecological benefits. Renowned for its clusters of creamy-white flowers, lush green foliage, and dark purple-black berries, Sambucus nigra is perfect for creating informal hedges, mixed borders, or wildlife-friendly gardens. Hardy and adaptable, this native UK plant thrives in a variety of conditions and provides year-round interest. Features of Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra stands out with its clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. Its lush green foliage forms a dense screen, offering excellent privacy and structure. By late summer, the flowers develop into glossy, dark purple-black berries, which are edible when cooked and are often used in jams, syrups, and wine-making. The foliage transitions to soft yellow shades in autumn, adding seasonal colour to the garden. Reaching a height of 4-6 metres, Sambucus nigra is ideal for informal hedging or as a striking standalone feature. Benefits for Nature
As a native UK plant, Sambucus nigra supports local biodiversity. Its flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its berries are a vital food source for birds and small mammals in late summer and autumn. Its dense growth also offers shelter and nesting sites for wildlife, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting biodiversity. Landscaping and Design Appeal
With its attractive flowers, vibrant berries, and lush foliage, Sambucus nigra is a versatile plant that complements various garden styles. It works beautifully in mixed hedgerows, cottage gardens, or as a wildlife-friendly hedge. Its ability to grow quickly and tolerate regular pruning makes it easy to shape, offering flexibility for different design preferences. Preferred Conditions
Sambucus nigra thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but adapts to a wide range of conditions, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade, where it grows best and produces the most flowers and berries. Hardy and resilient, it tolerates wetter soils and occasional drought once established, making it ideal for UK gardens. Minimal maintenance is required, with annual pruning to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Fun Fact
The Common Elder has a long history in British folklore and traditional medicine. Its flowers and berries have been used for centuries to make syrups, teas, and remedies for colds and flu, making it a plant with both practical and ornamental value. Summary
Sambucus nigra (Common Elder) is a fast-growing, low-maintenance hedging plant that offers year-round interest with its fragrant flowers, vibrant berries, and lush foliage. Perfect for informal hedges, wildlife-friendly gardens, and mixed borders, Sambucus nigra brings charm, structure, and ecological value to UK landscapes. Disclaimer
Please note that Sambucus nigra plants may vary in appearance by season and maturity. Regular watering during establishment and occasional pruning will help maintain health and structure. Delivery
FREE Specialist Delivery Available
At Harrod Outdoors, we take pride in delivering top-quality plants with care and efficiency, directly to your doorstep. Our delivery options are tailored to suit the size and type of your plants, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition, ready to transform your outdoor space. With free specialist delivery available on qualifying orders across most of the UK, and clear delivery timelines of 10-15 working days (up to 30 for larger or custom orders), we make it simple and stress-free.
If you need help selecting the right plants or have specific delivery requirements, our friendly team is here to assist. You can trust us to handle your order with expertise every step of the way. View our Delivery Policy or Contact Us for more information.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions about Sambucus nigra – Common Elder
How tall does Sambucus nigra grow, and is it suitable for hedging?
Sambucus nigra typically grows to a height of 4-6 metres, making it ideal for informal hedging or as a standalone feature. Its fast growth and dense foliage provide excellent privacy, and it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size if needed.
When does Sambucus nigra flower, and what do the flowers look like?
Sambucus nigra produces clusters of creamy-white, fragrant flowers from late spring to early summer (May to June). These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding beauty and biodiversity to the garden.
Are the berries of Sambucus nigra edible?
Yes, the dark purple-black berries of Sambucus nigra are edible when cooked. They are often used in jams, syrups, and wine-making. However, raw berries (and other parts of the plant) can be toxic if consumed, so always cook them before eating.
What type of soil and sunlight does Sambucus nigra prefer?
Sambucus nigra thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but adapts well to loamy, sandy, or clay types. It performs best in full sun to partial shade, where it produces more flowers and berries. It is also tolerant of wetter soils and occasional drought once established, making it highly versatile for UK gardens.
How does Sambucus nigra support wildlife?
Sambucus nigra is excellent for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the berries provide a valuable food source for birds and small mammals in late summer and autumn. Additionally, its dense growth offers shelter and nesting sites, making it a beneficial plant for supporting local biodiversity.
Why Buy From Us
Free Nationwide Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on qualifying orders, making your purchase convenient and affordable.
Expert Advice at Your Fingertips
Benefit from personalized consultations with our horticultural specialists to find the perfect plants for your garden.
High-Quality Plants from Leading Growers
Our plants are sourced from Europe’s top growers, ensuring they are healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive.
Extensive Variety to Suit Every Garden
Explore a wide selection of plants, trees, hedging, and topiary. Can’t find what you need? We’ll help source it for you.
Competitive Prices with No Compromise on Quality
Enjoy premium-quality plants and services at prices that fit your budget.
5-Star Aftercare Support
From detailed care and watering guides to expert advice just a call away, we’re here to assist you every step of the way—before, during, and after your purchase.
Minimum Order Quantities
At Harrod Outdoors, we want to provide you with the highest-quality plants and excellent service. To ensure efficiency and keep costs manageable, we’ve implemented minimum order quantities for bare root hedging plants and the smallest size of pot-grown plants (15-30cm). This policy helps us handle the sourcing, lifting, and transportation of these products more effectively.
When shopping with us, here are the minimum order quantities for our products:
Product Type | Size | Minimum Order Quantity | Order Increment |
---|
Bare Root Plants | 15-30cm | 100 plants | Step up by 5 |
30-50cm | 50 plants | Step up by 5 |
50-70cm | 25 plants | Step up by 5 |
71cm+ | 10 plants | Step up by 1 |
Pot Grown Plants | 15-30cm | 50 plants | Step up by 5 |