For most hobby gardeners it is a 'blind date', the first meeting with the white elder. This variety of Sambucus nigra is rare. You can find out here which attributes the botanical gem has.
Elderberries that don't stain? Yes, there are.
The dark fruits of a black elderberry taste so refreshing and aromatic; Hobby gardeners and housewives alike can do without the intensive stains. Good to know that there is a type of elder whose juice does not stain. With the white elder, nobody has to wrap themselves completely in plastic to protect against extremely stubborn dirt. The following profile reveals the most important attributes:
- yellow-white flowers in June and July
- yellowish-white, translucent berries
- light green feathered leaves
- Growth height 4 to 6 meters
- Growth width 3 to 4 meters
- annual growth 20 to 40 centimeters
The almost white elderberries have a slightly fruitier taste than the purple-black fruits of its big brother. There is no difference with regard to the poison content in raw form. As long as the fruits are not cooked at at least 80 degrees Celsius for several minutes, they are not digestible.
Planting and care tips
In order for a Sambucus nigra Alba to unfold its up to 20 centimeter inflorescences in June, it needs a sunny to partially shaded location. Ideally, the soil is not too dry, humus and nutritious. Since a white elder does not quite reach the imposing dimensions of a black elder, it makes an excellent stand-alone in the front yard.
Planted in spring or autumn, the decorative wild fruit tree should not dry out if possible. The shrub usually reacts angrily to drought stress by shedding its foliage without much ado. If the delicious elderberries serve to enrich the menu, white elder should be fertilized organically. Compost, granular cattle manure ($18.80) guano ($121.99) and horn shavings ($32.93) are recommended in this regard. Annual pruning after harvest maintains vitality.
tips and tricks
A singing elder in the white elder? The cheerful Rhenish people in Cologne are easily capable of this creative masterpiece. A sing-along concert for young and old takes place every Sunday in a rustic pub called 'Weißer Elder' under the title 'Singender Elderberry'.
GTH