Bob Gordon Elderberry

❇︎ ❇︎ Pre-Ordering is OPEN! ❇︎ ❇︎

❇︎ Cuttings begin shipping in Early Spring 2025.

❇︎ Seedlings begin shipping in Late Spring 2025.

Bob Gordon is a very productive cultivar with medium to large clusters of flavorful purple berries that grows 8-10' tall. The heavy clusters of fruit droop upside down, usually below the foliage, resulting in less bird predation. The dangling clusters of edible purple-black berries ripen in late summer. Recommended for commercial market growing and other high-yield plantings.

Elderberries are fast growing, native superfood; perfect in the edible landscape, as a pollinator supporter and wildlife habitat, and for windbreak and privacy screening ~ plus extremely hardy and resilient in zones 3 and 4! The fruit is a great source of vitamin C, making wonderful pie, juice, jelly and wine. Vigorous and hardy plants produce showy, fragrant white flowers in summer and colorful fall foliage. One of the easiest berries to grow. 

These are seedlings and cuttings from our elderberry bushes where we harvest and sell the certified organic flowers and berries. We have been growing certified organic Bob Gordon elderberries for five years with excellent results. Typically, bushes remain around 8 feet tall and wide; when densely planted, they will grow up to 12 feet tall. 

Bob Gordon Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is from University of Missouri, 2011. Resents root disturbance. Cross pollinize with another S. canadensis variety, such as Wyldewood, for abundant fruit production.

USDA Zone: 3 - 9 hardiness; prefers cooler climates

Grow Height:  8 - 10'

Ripening Time: Late Summer

Pollination: Self-fertile, yields increase with a second variety, such as Wyldwood.

Years to Fruit: 2 to 3 years (seedlings to canes); fruiting on 2nd year seedlings or 3rd year canes in zones 3 and 4.

Soil Type: Tolerates a wide variety, best in soils rich in organic matter & well-draining

Moisture Requirements: needs consistently moist soil, not wet, for two growing seasons. Do not allow soil to dry out in the first growing season. Very drought-tolerant once properly established. 

Best Time to Plant: Spring and Fall. Summer planting is possible but watering requirements are more demanding. Best time to plant in most climates is Fall, followed by early Spring.

Mulch: important for all seasons, mulch deeply immediately after planting to protect young roots and retain hydrated soils.