Talkback: Elderflowers - Talkback

27/06/2008 at 16:13

There is some on this site: www.best4plants.co.uk/. Might be worth emailing them to see if they will do you some cuttings.

Gardeners' World Web User

27/06/2008 at 20:56

An interesting way to propagate wild fruiting plants is to stretch a tight line across a piece of vegetable garden. The birds come and perch on the line and do their business. If you leave the ground alone the next year up will pop lots of hawthorns and elderberries etc.

Gardeners' World Web User

27/06/2008 at 23:01

James, I find it a stupid comment that eldeflower is a weed, it's got herbal properties and it is no weed whatsoever!

Gardeners' World Web User

28/06/2008 at 08:24

I was very proud to see that I have both the varieties of Sambucus mentioned in your blog. I've obviously 'arrived' as a 'real' gardener! I planted them about 3 years ago when I decided the garden needed more stuctural and foliage interest. They are indeed lovely plants. I find the dark one needs more restraint than the golden to keep its shape but is easily managable. My golden specimen doesn't produce flowers - is this always the case? The flat plates of flower on the dark plant are stunning. It's also fun to consider which plants to put near them to provide contrast and colour.

Gardeners' World Web User

28/06/2008 at 10:55

Re: Is there any where that I can get elderflower seeds or cuttings from? Obviously the easiest place is to look in hedgerows. Elder is currently in flower so the plants are easy to spot, there's a chance you may also find seedlings around (birds spread the seeds through their droppings). If you're looking for raised specimiens try google, I'm sure there are places out there you can order from.

Gardeners' World Web User

29/06/2008 at 15:08

I have a large elderflower bush and last year used some of the berries with other fruit in a pie, and it was delicious. So you may want to try this.

Gardeners' World Web User

30/06/2008 at 12:12

Can you make cordial from the dark variety you mentioned or does it have to be the wild one?

Gardeners' World Web User

01/07/2008 at 11:20

Hi John, You can make cordial from the darker variety - the slight pink tinge in the flowers will transmit itself to the cordial.

Gardeners' World Web User

25/05/2009 at 11:12

can you make elderflower champagne from the black lace variety?

Gardeners' World Web User

26/05/2009 at 15:14

Jo: You can.

Gardeners' World Web User

29/06/2009 at 20:55

I have just started a batch. It's already very pink. Should be interesting...

Gardeners' World Web User

28/11/2011 at 18:36

Is there any where that I can get elderflower seeds or cuttings from?

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