Indiana summer is in full swing! I have found a surprisingly large amount to do around the Indy area. I just had to take the 5 minutes needed to look up whats happening.  Check out the aroundindy website to get a list of some of the fun events around town! Let that list be a start and if all else fails there are some great beers and cocktails to be found in and around the Indy metro area! Even better go check out and support your local nursery or farmers market. While you are there see if they have any of this weeks Plant of the Week, the Elderberry!

Why Grow Elderberry?

Large flower clusters, edible fruits and striking foliage make the Elderberry an easy plant to sell. Flowers are white and stand out prominently against the purple or lime green foliage lit ornaments. The flowers and fruits are edible, and high in Vitamins A,B and C. They can be used to makes juices, jams, wine and much more. A fun way to bring enjoyment to your landscape is with edible additions like the Elderberry! Kids and the wildlife around your home will love the added feature and so will you! Thanks to new varieties hitting the market Elderberry can be enjoyed beyond their blooms and fruits, with a variety of foliage colors and types. Check out the link below to discover a few of these varieties.

Where to Plant Elderberry?

Elderberry prefers full to part sun locations and is not particular about its soil needs. Plant yours in a spot that stays moist(not wet or standing water) and add compost yearly to get the best results. This plant has shallow roots and therefore it is imperative you mulch around it to ensure its health. Also, make sure to plant two different varieties near each other if you hope to get a good fruit crop! In the landscape, I would use Elderberry as a type of hedge or clump them together to screen an area. You could mix them into a large bed space or perennial boarder to add different texture and color, as well as some fun home owner interaction.

What does Eagleson Landscape Think?

I would rate this plant a B. Elderberry has so many positives, with its flowers, fruits and foliage. However to get the best fruiting results there is a decent amount of pruning and overall care to consider. For many this is a big deterrence and therefore I need to doc its grade. There are some varieties that die back every year and regrow from the roots, limiting its use in a landscape some. This is not necessarily a negative and so does not effect its grade. However, it is a good point to consider when you are plant shopping. This is a truly great plant for the landscape and there is a variety out there for everyone. Read more about specific varieties here and certainly consider this plant for your home.