How to Grow Elderflower in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Elderflower at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$10-15/bottle on elderflower cordial. One bush produces litres of cordial per year.
This guide covers when to plant Elderflower in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Elderflower is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in May, June and July. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Common Elder
Standard European elderberry. White flowers, dark berries. Fast growing to 4-6m. Prune hard.
Try: Diggers, Daleys, local nurseries
Black Lace
Ornamental with dark purple ferny foliage and pink-flushed flowers. Edible. Stunning garden plant.
Try: Diggers, garden centres
Position and Soil
Give Elderflower full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+, though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Elderflower into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 300 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Sambucus nigra. Deciduous shrub with fragrant white flower clusters in spring and dark berries in autumn. SAFETY: Raw berries and all green parts are mildly toxic. Cook berries before eating. Flowers used for elderflower cordial, champagne and fritters. Best in cool climates (Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide). Grows fast and prunes well.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Elder shoot borer. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Elderflower is typically ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Use flowers fresh within a day or two. Cordial and syrup store for months. Freeze berries.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, elderflower is good flowers made into elderflower cordial, flowers battered and fried as fritters, berries cooked into syrup, jam and wine and flowers steeped into elderflower champagne. Nutritionally: flowers traditionally used for immune support and berries (cooked) high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Elderflower grows well alongside Fruit trees. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Elderflower Growing
Add elderflower to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Elderflower in Australia?
Elderflower is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in May, June and July. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Elderflower take to grow?
Elderflower is generally ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Elderflower need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Elderflower in the Plant Library
