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Creamy-white elderflower clusters against a green backgroundShrubs

Sambucus nigra

Elder

eldernativeedible berriesbird-friendlyfast-growing

Elder is a native large shrub or small tree bearing flat, creamy-white flower clusters in June that release a delightfully sweet fragrance. In autumn, glossy dark purple berries follow, beloved by birds. Both flowers and berries are edible and have been used for centuries in elderflower cordial and elderberry juice.

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Before
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Characteristics

Sun
Full sun, Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
300–600 cm
Spread
300–500 cm
Hardiness zone
5–7
Family
Adoxaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white
Wildlife value
bees, birds, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Elder grows quickly and is exceptionally adaptable — even in heavy clay. Water regularly during dry summers. The plant benefits from an annual layer of compost around the base.

Pruning tips

Prune in late autumn or winter by removing old and crossing branches. For rejuvenation, you can cut elder back to 30 cm above ground — it regrows rapidly. Remove suckers at the base if the shrub grows too wide.

Good companions

Golden-yellow hazel catkins against a wintry backgroundTrees

Corylus avellana

Common Hazel

The hazel is a native large shrub or small tree that enlivens the garden as early as February and March with long, golden-yellow catkins — one of the first food sources for bees after winter. In autumn, hazelnuts follow in their characteristic green husks. Hazel grows multi-stemmed and makes a beautiful native hedge or specimen.

Full sunMedium300–600 cm
Blue-purple hydrangea flowers in a shaded gardenShrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.

Partial shadeMedium100–180 cm
Neatly trimmed yew hedge in a green gardenTrees

Taxus baccata

English Yew

English Yew is an evergreen conifer used both as a freestanding tree and as a formal hedge. Its dark green needles are densely packed and form an impenetrable screen. Female trees bear striking red berries in autumn. All parts except the berry flesh are poisonous.

Full shadeMedium1000–2000 cm