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Edible Landscape

Elderberry pruning

10 years ago

We have an elderberry bush that we bought last year and put in a container. Over last summer, it developed this strange growth of one long branch (see photo). Pretty sure it's because of uneven sunlight. Now we're starting to get new growth at the base, and also at the branch's nodes.

I think I should trim this branch to within a few inches of the base to encourage more lush bush-like growth. What say the experts?

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Comments (2)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
10 years ago
It's a matter of taste. I you don't like the look of it you can cut it off. Elderberries can take a lot of cutting. But that branch is the one which will flower this spring, if any of them do on such a young plant. The new shoots from the base could be just as long by the end of the year so it won't look so odd.

BTW are you aware how big they grow? That pot will not last it more than a year or so.
GeneDaniels
10 years ago
stake the branch up. It will be fine.
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