skip to main content

Edible Landscape

Elderberry pruning

12 years ago

We have an elderberry bush that we bought last year and put in a container. Over last summer, it developed this strange growth of one long branch (see photo). Pretty sure it's because of uneven sunlight. Now we're starting to get new growth at the base, and also at the branch's nodes.

I think I should trim this branch to within a few inches of the base to encourage more lush bush-like growth. What say the experts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
12 years ago
It's a matter of taste. I you don't like the look of it you can cut it off. Elderberries can take a lot of cutting. But that branch is the one which will flower this spring, if any of them do on such a young plant. The new shoots from the base could be just as long by the end of the year so it won't look so odd.

BTW are you aware how big they grow? That pot will not last it more than a year or so.
GeneDaniels
12 years ago
stake the branch up. It will be fine.
Related Professionals
Syracuse Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Altoona Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Erie Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Burlington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Victorville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Coeur d'Alene Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fayetteville Landscape Contractors · Hagerstown Landscape Contractors · Muncie Landscape Contractors · Manchester Landscape Contractors · Tacoma Landscape Contractors · Calgary Landscape Contractors · Columbia Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Gary Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Kalamazoo Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra Caerulea for the Birds

By Debbie Ballentine

Blue elderberry is a favorite of birds and other wildlife in its native California

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Vase Shapes Set Shrubs Apart

Billowing on top and slender on the bottom, shrubs in a vase shape showcase blooms and foliage to perfection in the landscape

GARDENING GUIDES 12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden

The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun

GARDENING GUIDES Garden-Friendly Native Alternatives to Overplanted Exotics

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

There are lots of gorgeous, wildlife-friendly native plants ready to make an appearance in your garden

EDIBLE GARDENS Grow Herbs for Fresh Flavor and Good Looks in the Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

With sun and a patch of ground, you can have all the fresh flavor you need for cooking right outside your door. Here's how to get started

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

INSPIRING GARDENS From Concrete Lot to Gracious Organic Garden in Seattle

By Kimberley Bryan

Plants, pests and even weeds have a place in this landscape, which offers an edible bounty and a feast for the eyes

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Weepers and the Creepers: 10 Intriguing Trees for Your Garden

Bring something a little different to your landscape with a tree that dives, twists or crawls

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Home Farmers, Show Us Your Edible Gardens

By Stacy Briscoe

We want to see where your tomatoes, summer squashes and beautiful berries are growing this summer

LAWN ALTERNATIVES Stop Fighting the Patchy Lawn!

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Here are 3 situations where a garden may be a better idea than more turfgrass

Sponsored