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Scarlet Elderberry

Sambucus Pubens

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Overview

The Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus pubens) is a deciduous shrub thriving in zones 3-8, notable for its striking bright red berries and white spring blossoms. Mature at 10-20 feet in height and 8-15 feet in width, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Ideal for wildlife gardens, its berries attract birds while providing a vibrant, natural screen or accent. Drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate maintenance.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 4–6Type Shrub, TreeClimate Alpine, Temperate
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate maintenance
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — with individual leaflets ranging from 2 to 6 inches long; while it is relatively low-maintenance, annual pruning willScarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — except for the ripe berries; notable for its striking bright red berries and white spring blossomsScarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — it prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; ideal for wildlife gardens, its berries attract, image 44Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — white flowers in the gardenScarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Mature at 10-20 feet in height and 8-15 feet in widthScarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Not only do these berries provide a striking contrast against the green backdrop of the foliage; note that, image 51+67

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
4–6

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub, Tree
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Climate
Alpine, Temperate

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Photos (74)

Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate maintenance
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — with individual leaflets ranging from 2 to 6 inches long; while it is relatively low-maintenance, annual pruning will
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — except for the ripe berries; notable for its striking bright red berries and white spring blossoms
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — it prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; ideal for wildlife gardens, its berries attract, image 44
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — white flowers in the garden
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Mature at 10-20 feet in height and 8-15 feet in width
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Not only do these berries provide a striking contrast against the green backdrop of the foliage; note that, image 51
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — with individual leaflets ranging from 2 to 6 inches long
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — shrub / tree with white blooms
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Mature at 10-20 feet in height and 8-15 feet in width; white flowers in the garden, image 43
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — While it is relatively low-maintenance, annual pruning will encourage new growth and a more desirable form; with
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — scientifically named Sambucus pubens; drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate maintenance
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — shrub / tree for full or half or shade; or as part of a wildlife-friendly garden
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — scientifically named Sambucus pubens; drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate maintenance, image 47
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — except for the ripe berries
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — shrub / tree for full or half or shade
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Drought-tolerant once established, it requires moderate maintenance; shrub / tree with white blooms
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Note that all parts of the plant; except for the ripe berries, image 54
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — it prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — but they also serve as a food source for local birds and wildlife.<br><br>For optimal growth; the Scarlet, image 52
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — In spring, dense clusters of tiny white to pale pink flowers blossom, exuding a light, pleasant aroma
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — The Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus pubens) is a deciduous shrub thriving in zones 3-8; it prefers well-drained soil and
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — notable for its striking bright red berries and white spring blossoms; not only do these berries provide a, image 42
Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus Pubens) — Note that all parts of the plant
Photographs by 6 contributors

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