What Kind of Soil Does Elderberry Grow In?

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• Elderberries won't thrive in waterlogged soils where water collects and stands in the top few inches. Well-drained sites that retain just enough moisture to not dry out completely provide the best conditions for the shrubs. A loose, loamy soil high in organic matter supplies adequate moisture and drainage, although elderberries can thrive in less-than-ideal soil if they are amended properly prior to planting. Overly sandy soils may drain too well and dry out too fast, which leads to increased irrigation needs or drought stress to the elderberries.

Soil Testing

• Testing allows you to determine the pH level, or acidity, of the soil. Simple test kits are available at garden stores, or you can request a more in-depth soil analysis from your county extension office. Elderberries prefer a soil pH level between 5.5 and 6.5, but they can grow with reduced vigor outside of this range. Test the soil two or more months prior to planting so you have time to alter the pH if necessary. Agricultural limestone application to the soil is sometimes necessary to bring it into the correct range. The test results will indicate the amount if liming is necessary.

Amendments

• Most soils, especially poorer ones, benefit from the addition of organic matter prior to planting. Add between two and four inches of compost to the site before planting new elderberry bushes. Incorporate the compost with the top six to eight inches of soil. Replenish the organic matter in existing elderberry beds yearly by top dressing around the plants with an additional inch of compost. The added organic matter improves the soil texture, adds trace nutrients and improves the drainage of the planting site.

Fertilizers

• Even fertile soils require annual fertilization to replenish the nutrients as the elderberry bush uses them. For new plantings, the soil test performed to determine pH also provides a fertilization guideline. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to the new bed following the test recommendations. For existing elderberry shrubs, improve the soil with an annual application of ammonium nitrate fertilizer or a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer blend. The amount necessary depends on the age of the elderberry. Applying 1/8 of a pound of fertilizer per year of age up to a maximum of one pound is sufficient.