The Complete Guide to Growing American Elderberry Shrubs in Pots

American elderberry shrubs (Sambucus canadensis) are a versatile fruiting shrub that can be grown successfully in containers. With their edible berries and flowers, elderberries make a great addition to any patio, balcony or small backyard.

Growing elderberries in pots comes with some unique challenges, but with the right care you can have a thriving container elderberry bush. In this complete guide we will cover everything you need to know about selecting planting, and caring for potted American elderberry shrubs.

Selecting a Pot for Elderberry Shrubs

Choosing the right sized container is crucial for growing happy and productive elderberry plants, Here are some tips on selecting an ideal pot

• Go big – Don’t skimp on pot size! Elderberry’s roots spread wide and deep, so choose a pot that is at least 2 feet wide and 20 inches deep. This will allow plenty of room for root growth.

• Pick a sturdy material – Clay, plastic, concrete and wood pots all work well. Make sure it has adequate drainage holes or drill some yourself.

• Use a potting mix – Avoid regular garden soil, which can get waterlogged. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix formulated for containers.

• Add shallow dishes – Place shallow dishes under pots to catch overflow water and prevent stains on patios or decks.

Planting Elderberries in Pots

Once you’ve selected the ideal container, follow these tips for planting your elderberry bush:

• Start in spring – The best time to plant elderberries is in early to mid spring, once the threat of frost has passed. Avoid summer planting.

• Tease roots – Carefully loosen any tangled or circling roots before placing in pot.

• Plant at proper depth – Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot. The top of the root ball should be level with the rim of the container.

• Backfill firmly – Fill in around roots with potting mix, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.

• Water thoroughly – Water well after planting to settle the soil and eliminate any remaining air pockets.

Caring for Potted Elderberry Plants

Growing elderberries in pots requires some specialized care. Follow these tips to keep your container plants healthy:

• Provide rich soil – Elderberries thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Use a quality potting mix formulated for fruiting plants.

• Maintain ideal pH – Test soil pH annually and amend as needed to keep between 5.5-6.5. Elderberries prefer slightly acidic soil.

• Water frequently – Check soil moisture regularly and water whenever the top few inches become dry. Never allow pots to completely dry out.

• Use mulch – A 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the soil helps retain moisture. Shredded bark, leaves or compost all work well.

• Fertilize regularly – Feed with a balanced fruiting plant fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

• Prune annually – In late winter, prune out any dead or damaged branches and tip prune to shape.

• Repot as needed – Every 2-3 years, repot in a slightly larger container to allow room for root expansion.

• Provide support – Add sturdy stakes or a trellis to support the shrub as it grows.

• Monitor for pests – Keep an eye out for common elderberry pests like Japanese beetles, aphids, mites and canopy diseases.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Potted Elderberries

Creating the right microclimate will help ensure success with container grown elderberries. Here are the optimal conditions to provide:

• Full sun – Elderberries need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. More sun equals more flowers and fruit.

• Shelter from wind – Protect pots from strong winds, which can damage tender growth and stress plants.

• Consistent moisture – Prevent drying out by watering 1-2 times per week. Soil should be lightly moist but not saturated.

• Moderate fertilizing – Feed every 2-3 weeks during growth with a balanced fruiting plant fertilizer.

• Cool periods – Elderberries need a period of chill below 45°F (7°C) to properly set flower buds. Move pots to an unheated location like a garage over winter.

Troubleshooting Issues with Container Elderberries

Growing elderberries in pots comes with some unique challenges. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

• Slow growth – This often indicates inadequate soil nutrition. Test soil and amend as needed, then fertilize regularly with a complete fertilizer.

• Small or no flowers/fruit – Insufficient chilling is usually the culprit. Move pots to an unheated space for at least 2 months of temperatures below 45°F (7°C).

• Wilting – Can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or poorly draining soil. Check soil moisture regularly and amend potting mix if drainage is poor.

• Leaf scorch – Typically a sign plants are too dry. Increase watering frequency and use mulch to boost moisture retention.

• Dropping leaves/dieback – Overwatering is often the issue. Allow soil to dry out further between waterings and ensure pot has adequate drainage.

Enjoying the Rewards of Growing Elderberries

With the right care, potted American elderberries will reward you with clusters of edible berries and fragrant blooms. Here are some ways to enjoy container grown plants:

• Harvest berries for making jams, jellies, syrups, pies and wine. Ripe berries are deep purple-black.

• Craft delicious teas, tonics and elixirs using the vitamin-rich flowers and berries.

• Prune flowering stems for gorgeous floral arrangements. The flat-topped creamy blooms have a sweet, intoxicating scent.

• Attract pollinators! Elderberry’s nectar-rich flowers feed bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

• Appreciate the versatility. Elderberries thrive in patio containers but also make great landscape specimens. Replant in the garden anytime.

With this complete guide, you now have all the information needed to successfully grow American elderberries in pots. Follow the tips above, and with some patience and proper care you’ll soon be enjoying fresh homegrown berries.