Marge Elderberry

Elderberry flowers and fruits have become very popular, for health and pleasure, producing everything from tasty teas to delicious syrups and also wines. You may not be aware that there are both European and American elderberries, but it is the European varieties that give the best and most abundant berry crops. Unfortunately that species doesn’t grow so well in America, especially in the harsh conditions of the Midwest – at least it didn’t until the arrival of the Marge Elderberry. This amazing bush was discovered in Kansas, and outperforms all American varieties for size, abundance and quality of the berries. Enormous bunches of very large berries weigh down this vigorous plant, which is fast-growing and can reach 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide in a few years. The white flowers in spring are sweetly-fragrant, attract pollinators and can be used for teas and ‘champagne’. Berries ripen over summer and are deep red and packed with juice. Handsome enough to be grown in your ornamental garden, this fabulous tree will bring you all the benefits of elderberries, even in difficult areas.

• Tall shrub to 12 feet, with abundant flowering and berry production
• Super-large berries, heavy crops and top-quality fruit
• Outperforms all American varieties, yet grows well even in the Midwest
• Fragrant white flowers in spring attract pollinators and are used for tea
• Should be near a different variety for maximum berry production

Plant your Marge Elderberry in full sun for the best crops, but it will also grow with some hours of shade each day. Plant it in a richer, well-drained soil that is preferably acidic and not too dry. Add plenty of organic materials when planting, and water young bushes regularly. Established trees will benefit from plenty of water while producing fruit, and this tree is not especially drought tolerant, although quite tough and easy to grow. For full-sized crops plant any other type of elderberry in the same general area – note that ornamental varieties will be fine, but don’t prune them, as this reduces flowering. Deer may eat this bush, so provide some protection if necessary, but otherwise it is generally pest and disease-free, with special resistance to mites, which can cause serious damage in American elderberries. Prune after harvesting, encouraging new shoots from lower down in the bush.