Elder Hedging (Sambucus nigra)

Elder
(Sambucus nigra)

Elder is a deciduous, native, fast-growing plant that is ideal as a single or mixed hedging species, with its big, fragrant, elder flowers and bright green foliage.

Elder flowers appear in Summer (June/July), as big, flat, creamy-white heads that are followed with little, black fruits (high in vit. C!). It will usually come into leaf early, about January time, and the foliage will then fall late in November (for sheltered sites only).

Elder hedging is the perfect choice when struggling with meddling rabbits, as they hate the blooms' scent.

Please note: Even though the berries and flowers are edible, the stems are leaves are harmful when eaten- so be careful when picking.

Elder hedging is rather hardy, and tolerant to coastal sites. It has a fast growth rate of 30-60cm per year and can reach an ultimate height of 4m.

  • Growth rate: Fast (30-60cm per year)
  • Ideal height: 3m+ Tall
  • Soil type: Moist, normal
  • Exposure: Sheltered, inland, exposed
  • Aspect: Full sun, semi-shade
  • Evergreen foliage? No

You should prune Elder hedging in February/March/April.

  1. Prepare the ground by digging the hole/trench twice as wide as the diameter of the plant's root system, but about the same depth. Ensure all weeds have been removed.
  2. Spread out the roots, ensuring planting depth is correct. The part where the roots flare out should be level with the surface of the soil (you may need to remove any excess soil on top of pot grown plants to reveal this point).
  3. Mix in some organic matter/compost to the excess soil that will be used to backfill the hole. If you are using RootGrow, do so by sprinkling a thin layer on the bottom of the planting hole.
  4. Water the hole well, and place the plant in. Backfill with soil, ensuring it is worked into the plant's roots. Gently pat down to secure the plant, and water again if it seems dry (this is especially important if planting during hot/dry weather).
  5. Regularly water for the first year or so after being planted. This is vital for the plant's survival.
Berries

Berries

Fast Growing

Fast Growing

Tall

Tall

White Flower

White Flower

Choose Root Type
Choose Size and Quantity

Note: Minimum order quantities apply to this product and variants

m

Please enter the number of metres you require to plant. The quantities below will automatically be updated according to the number of metres you require.

  • 40/60cm
    40/60cm 5-7 per m
    £0.96
    £24.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 25
  • 60/90cm
    60/90cm 5-7 per m
    £1.14
    £28.50
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 25
  • 80/100cm
    80/100cm 3-7 per m
    £3.66
    £54.90
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 15
  • 40/60cm x 50
    40/60cm x 50 5-7 per m
    £48.00
    £48.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 40/60cm x 100
    40/60cm x 100 5-7 per m
    £84.00
    £84.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 40/60cm x 250
    40/60cm x 250 5-7 per m
    £195.00
    £195.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 60/90cm x 50
    60/90cm x 50 5-7 per m
    £57.00
    £57.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 60/90cm x 100
    60/90cm x 100 5-7 per m
    £102.00
    £102.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 60/90cm x 250
    60/90cm x 250 5-7 per m
    £225.00
    £225.00
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 80/100cm x 50
    80/100cm x 50 5-7 per m
    £120.36
    £120.36
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 80/100cm x 100
    80/100cm x 100 5-7 per m
    £199.74
    £199.74
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1
  • 80/100cm x 250
    80/100cm x 250 5-7 per m
    £424.50
    £424.50
    This product has a minimum order quantity of 1

Our shipping rates (standard - 10-14 days):

 Order Value Standard Delivery Charge (Inc. VAT)
£0.00-£49.99 £10.02
£50.00-£149.99 £18.00
£150.00-£249.99 £30.00
£250.00-£349.99 £42.00
£350.00-£698.99 £75.00
£699.00+ FREE

 

From £0.96

Elder is a deciduous, native, fast-growing plant that is ideal as a single or mixed hedging species, with its big, fragrant, elder flowers and bright green foliage.

Elder flowers appear in Summer (June/July), as big, flat, creamy-white heads that are followed with little, black fruits (high in vit. C!). It will usually come into leaf early, about January time, and the foliage will then fall late in November (for sheltered sites only).

Elder hedging is the perfect choice when struggling with meddling rabbits, as they hate the blooms' scent.

Please note: Even though the berries and flowers are edible, the stems are leaves are harmful when eaten- so be careful when picking.

Elder hedging is rather hardy, and tolerant to coastal sites. It has a fast growth rate of 30-60cm per year and can reach an ultimate height of 4m.

  • Growth rate: Fast (30-60cm per year)
  • Ideal height: 3m+ Tall
  • Soil type: Moist, normal
  • Exposure: Sheltered, inland, exposed
  • Aspect: Full sun, semi-shade
  • Evergreen foliage? No

You should prune Elder hedging in February/March/April.

  1. Prepare the ground by digging the hole/trench twice as wide as the diameter of the plant's root system, but about the same depth. Ensure all weeds have been removed.
  2. Spread out the roots, ensuring planting depth is correct. The part where the roots flare out should be level with the surface of the soil (you may need to remove any excess soil on top of pot grown plants to reveal this point).
  3. Mix in some organic matter/compost to the excess soil that will be used to backfill the hole. If you are using RootGrow, do so by sprinkling a thin layer on the bottom of the planting hole.
  4. Water the hole well, and place the plant in. Backfill with soil, ensuring it is worked into the plant's roots. Gently pat down to secure the plant, and water again if it seems dry (this is especially important if planting during hot/dry weather).
  5. Regularly water for the first year or so after being planted. This is vital for the plant's survival.

Root Types Summary

  • Bare Root
    Bare Root

    Field grown, bare roots are young plants that are only planted when they are dormant, from autumn to spring. We lift bare root plants and despatch them during the season but they can be pre-ordered in summer. As they are cheaper to grow, they are one of our most affordable hedge planting options.

  • Pot Grown
    Pot Grown

    Pot grown plants can be planted year round and make a convenient option. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 10cm to 2.5m so they're suitable for the majority of planting requirements.

  • Root Ball
    Root Ball

    Also field grown, root ball plants are scooped out of the ground using machinery to keep their root system intact and wrapped in bio-degradable, hessian sacks. They are mature plants that provide dense coverage very early on, ideal for when you need a thick hedge quickly.

  • Instant Hedging
    Instant Hedging

    Grown in troughs or bags that measure 50cm-1 metre in length and carefully clipped during the growing season. Our instant hegding troughs create a dramatic, instant hedge effect.

  • Bare Root Discount Deals
    Bare Root Discount Deals

    Our bare root discount deals include bundles of 50, 100, and 250 plants. The bigger the bundle, the higher the discount.

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