How to grow Elderflower in New Zealand
Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree with flat heads of creamy, fragrant flowers in early summer, used for elderflower cordial, followed by clusters of dark berries that are cooked for syrup and jam. It is hardy and easy across New Zealand, but it is also listed by Weedbusters as a weed, because birds spread its seed into bush and roadsides. Grow it with care and keep it in check.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Elderflower in New Zealand
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | June to August | |
| Auckland | June to August | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | June to August | |
| Central North Island | June to August | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | June to August | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June to August | |
| Canterbury | June to August | |
| Otago & Southland | June to August | |
| Central Otago | June to August |
Where to plant
Elder grows in sun or part shade in almost any soil, wet or dry, from sand to clay, and does best in moist, fertile ground. It performs poorly in deep shade or very dry conditions.
Elder is on the Weedbusters weed list: it produces many seeds that birds spread, and it forms dense stands in scrub, forest margins and roadsides that stop native plants regenerating. Plant it away from bush and streams, pick the berries before birds take them, and pull out any seedlings that come up. Check your regional council's pest plant rules before planting.
- All regions: elder is hardy throughout New Zealand. Plant from June to August while dormant.
Choosing a variety
- Common elder (Sambucus nigra): the classic green-leaved elder with creamy flower heads, best for cordial and berries.
- Black Lace: an ornamental form with dark, finely cut leaves and pink flowers, still productive.
How to plant
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth.
- Plant at the same depth as before, backfill and firm the soil.
- Water in well and mulch, keeping it clear of the stems.
- Water through the first summer while the plant establishes.
Watering and feeding
Water young plants in dry spells. Established elders are tough and need little care, though they flower and fruit better with some summer moisture. A spring dressing of compost is enough feeding.
Pruning and care through the year
- Elder needs little pruning, but established plants can be pruned hard in late winter or early spring to keep them to size. Remove old, unproductive stems, as cropping declines on older wood.
- Pick berries promptly, or cut off spent flower heads you do not need, to limit seed spread by birds.
- Pull out any elder seedlings that appear in the garden or nearby.
Harvesting
Cut whole flower heads on a warm, dry morning when most of the florets are open and the scent is strong, and use them fresh within a day or two for cordial.
Leave some heads to form berries and pick the dark, ripe clusters in late summer and autumn. Always cook the berries before eating. Cordial and syrup keep for months, and berries freeze well.
Using it
Steep the flower heads with sugar, lemon and water to make elderflower cordial, or use them in fritters and sparkling drinks. Cook the berries into syrup, jam, jelly, chutney and pies.
All parts except the flowers and the cooked ripe berries contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Never eat raw berries, leaves, bark or stems, and remove the stalks from flower heads and berry clusters before use.
Companion planting
Elder is a large shrub best given its own space at the edge of a garden or orchard.
Good companions
- Fruit trees Elder can form part of an orchard shelter belt, and its flowers draw pollinators.
Pests and diseases
Elder is tough and has few problems. The main concern is the plant spreading.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Black aphids clustered on young shoots and flower stems in spring.
- Birds Ripe berries stripped, and seed spread into bush. Pick berries promptly.
Elderflower is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Is elder a weed in New Zealand?
Elder is listed by Weedbusters as a weed, because birds spread the seed and it forms dense stands that stop native plants regenerating. It is not on the National Pest Plant Accord, but check your regional council's rules, plant it away from bush, and pull out seedlings.
Are elderberries poisonous?
Raw berries, leaves, stems and bark can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The flowers and the cooked ripe berries are safe to use. Always cook the berries.
When do I pick elderflowers?
On a warm, dry morning in early summer, when most florets are open and the scent is strong. Use them fresh within a day or two.
How do I make elderflower cordial?
Steep fresh flower heads, with the thick stalks removed, in a sugar syrup with lemon for a day or two, then strain and bottle. Dilute with water to serve.
How do I prune an elder?
It needs little pruning, but you can cut it back hard in late winter or early spring to control its size and remove older stems.
Sources we checked: Weedbusters: Elder; Wikipedia: Sambucus nigra; Wikipedia: National Pest Plant Accord.