Red Elderberry

Year-round

Red elderberry is a large, fast-growing shrub that likes sun to part shade and soil that stays moist but drains. Plan for 6 to 12 feet of width and a plant that sends up new shoots from the base.

• Give it sun to part shade. Afternoon shade helps in Harrisburg's hot, humid summers.
• Plant in loamy, humus-rich soil. Mix compost into heavy clay and mulch deeply.
• Space plants 6 to 10 feet apart so air can move through.
• Treat the raw berries and other plant parts as something not to eat. Wildflower.org warns that parts of this plant are toxic.

Cut back older stems and thin base shoots each year so it reads as an intentional, tidy shrub in a front yard.

Fall

Fall is a good window to plant and to let the soil settle before winter. Rain usually covers water needs, but check during dry stretches.

• Water newly planted shrubs until the ground freezes.
• Top up mulch to protect roots from winter swings.
• Birds eat the red fruit, so leave it on the plant if you like.
• Rake up fallen leaves if spots or mildew showed up this year.

Winter

Winter is the time to rejuvenate a leggy shrub. The plant is hardy to zones 3 to 7, which covers Harrisburg's cold winters.

• Cut a few of the oldest stems to the ground while the plant is dormant.
• Remove dead or diseased branches any time.
• Knock heavy snow or ice off the branches gently, since they are weak.
• No watering is needed once the soil freezes.

A winter cutback keeps the shape compact and neat before spring growth.

Spring

Spring is a good window to plant and to prune out winter damage. White flower clusters open around May and June.

• Plant now, set the crown level with the soil, and water deeply.
• Remove dead or broken twigs. Ice and wind often damage the branches.
• Spread a fresh layer of compost and mulch to hold moisture.
• Water during dry spells while it leafs out and blooms.

Summer

This plant prefers moist to wet soil, so summer water matters most in Harrisburg's heat. Keep the root zone evenly damp and mulched.

• Water deeply once or twice a week when rain is short, more for young plants.
• Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, pulled back from the stems.
• Pull or cut new base shoots if you want to keep it from spreading.
• Check for leaf spots, mildew or mites in humid weather.

Edge the bed and remove stray shoots so the planting looks deliberate from the street.