Elderberry for shading wall?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Feb 26, 2006

I would like to plant something on the south wall of my house to shade it from the hot summer sun. I was thinking of planting Elderberry about 2ft out from the wall. Would it be suitible for this or would it get too big? There is one picture on PlantFiles that I like, it shows pretty much shows the same thing.

Post #2072899
Quote
StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Feb 26, 2006

There are several elderberry species. Some become small trees, others not. I think I would look around some more before deciding, unless you want the elderberries for fruit or some other specific reason.

Guy S.

Post #2073508
Quote
Maackia Eau Claire, WI Feb 26, 2006

Here's a pic of S. canadensis 'Aurea' I took last summer at the U of Minnesota arb. I wouldn't mind having this one, but there were numerous suckers popping up all around it. I think it would take some effort to keep it in check.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/maackia/Woody%20Stuff/Deciduous%20Shrubs/HPIM1649.jpg

Post #2073654
Quote
Decumbent Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6b) Feb 27, 2006

Elderberries I have seen tend to be on the weedy side, even the new purple-leafed types. Not that weedy is bad...just the right plant in the right site. One exception: the lace-leafed elderberry (and I apologize, but I cannot remember the species. Probably S. canadensis, but I'm not sure). This one grows more slowly and artistically. Very beautiful plant. Foliage a lot like some Japanese Maples. I tried to root some last fall. If they overwintered, I could give you a small plant.

Scott

Post #2073785
Quote
escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Feb 27, 2006

I do already have a small plant that I got from a native plant nursery, but I havn't a clue where to put it. I was just thinking that it would do good along the back wall of my house. It would be a nice natural look. A plus for the birds too.

Post #2074053
Quote
Kevin_5 Elburn, IL(Zone 5a) Feb 27, 2006

I planted Elderberry in my long hedge row, and they also grow wild in my woods. If you plant it two feet out from your foundation, you are about 4' too close. After four years, my plants that came in 5 gallon containers were at least 12' x 12'.

Post #2074852
Quote
escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Feb 27, 2006

Oh'my, I may have to scrap that plan then.

Post #2075110
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP