Johns Elderberry

Johns Elderberry is a robust variety known for its large clusters of small, tart berries that are perfect for making jams, jellies, wines, and syrups. This deciduous shrub thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and requires regular watering, particularly during dry periods, to produce high-quality fruit. Johns Elderberry plants benefit from annual pruning to remove old wood and encourage new growth. The berries are dark purple and highly nutritious, with a strong, tangy flavor that is perfect for a variety of culinary and medicinal applications. Johns is appreciated for its cold hardiness, high yields, and ability to attract wildlife, making it a popular choice for home gardens and naturalized areas. Additionally, these plants support pollinators and contribute to the biodiversity of gardens, enhancing the ecological health of the landscape.

Cold Tolerance: USDA Zone 4-9
Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
Soil Type: Well-drained
Water Requirements: Moderate, consistent moisture
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Heat Tolerance: Moderate
Chilling Hours: None

Pollination Requirements: Cross-pollination required
Pollination Mechanisms: Insects (Bees)
Bloom Time: June-July
Flower Color: White

Plant Size: 6-12' tall, 6-12' wide
Plant Spacing: 6-12' apart
Growth Habit: Upright, Spreading, Open
Rootstock: Own Roots

Berry Size: 0.25-0.5"
Berry Flavor: Tart
Berry Color and Appearance Dark purple to black, smooth, small, round, grows in clusters
Harvest Time: August-September
Yield & Storage: High, store in a cool, dry place
Years to Bear: 2-3

Leaf Spot: Moderately Susceptible
Powdery Mildew: Moderately Resistant
Anthracnose: Moderately Resistant
Botrytis Blight: Moderately Susceptible
Elderberry Borer: Moderately Susceptible
Aphids: Moderately Resistant

Growth Habit: Upright, Spreading, Open
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Invasive Potential: Low
Native Range: Eastern North America
Nitrogen Fixing: No

Our 365-Day Plant Guarantee: We ensure that our plants are delivered to you alive and healthy. If your plant does not survive its first year, you're eligible for store credit under these conditions:

1. Your location falls within the appropriate USDA hardiness zone for the plant variety (refer to our hardiness zone map).
2. You maintain the roots' moisture and plant within three days of delivery, following the instructions in our Planting Guide.

If you're concerned about your plant's health, please consult our guide, How to Tell if Your Tree is Dead or Dormant. Remember, our plants are shipped in a dormant state and may leaf out at different times based on their species. To check for plant vital