Sambucus nigra | elderflower tree
Beautiful wild tree that's easy to grow in small or big gardens
The first tree I fell in love with for planting in other people’s gardens is elderflower, Sambucus nigra. I use it in almost all of my designs for its beautiful look, ease of growing, ruffled texture and wildlife value. While I used to have a real thing for the purple cultivars, and still do, it is the wild species that I’m increasingly drawn to. Its divided fresh green leaves, craggy bark, reliable imperfect shape. Plus the flat cream-white umbels in June are a highlight of the year for me, followed by glossy dark berries. It is one of my favourite plants to see and here I’m going to explain to you why.