Shrub
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Varieties We Carry
StandardSambucus nigra
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size5-12 feet × 6-10 feet
About Elderberry
American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a fast-growing native shrub from eastern North America bearing large, flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers in early summer followed by drooping bunches of small dark purple-black berries. The berries are widely used for syrups, wines, and wildlife food. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant elderberry in full sun for the heaviest fruit and flower production; it will tolerate partial sun but yields fewer blooms and berries — choose a site with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Water
Elderberry prefers consistently moist to wet soil and performs best near water features or in low areas that collect rain; it tolerates occasional drought once established but will produce more abundantly with regular moisture.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to a wide range of soils from sandy to clay and tolerates wet conditions; enrich planting soil with compost and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring — prune out old canes annually and remove suckers to maintain a tidy, productive shrub.
Similar needs
Marlberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $29.95Same conditions
Saltbush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Virginia Sweetspire
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $26.95Same conditions
Redbud
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $49.95Same conditions
Sugarberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Tropical Sage
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Elderberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Elderberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-12 feet × 6-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.