The genus was formerly placed in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, but was reclassified as.

May 21, Prune for shrub maintenance each year after the first year by removing one-third of the new branches in late winter or early spring. Cut older stems at ground level as well, leaving an equal number of branches that are one, two and three years old. May 29, Pruning an elderberry bush encourages the existing canes to be more productive.

An elderberry plant really only needs between six to eight canes to survive, but unless necessary due to breakage or the like, there is no need to be so severe. Leave an equal number (anywhere from two to five) of one- two- and three-year-old treenotch.barted Reading Time: 3 mins. #pruning #elderberry The first time I pruned our Elderberry bushes, I was a bit nervous and not very sure what to trim, cut, keep or treenotch.bar'll want to tr.

Nov 25, How to grow elder – pruning elder stems If you’re growing elder as a shrub, prune it back annually to maintain its shape. Prune hard – down to a few stumps in the ground – for the best results. New stems bear bigger, better coloured leaves than those left treenotch.bar: BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.

Hi Mrs Easton, thank you for leaving a lovely review.

The best time to prune an elder tree is during late winter to early spring during its dormant phase. Elder can be pruned hard without risk of causing damage. This encourages masses of vigorous new shoots with larger, more vibrantly coloured foliage. The golden-yellow leaves contrast nicely with the greens of other shrubs in the landscape.

This plant produces large flat, white flowers come summer (around June). This shrub also produces small black fruit.

Look out for mottled foliage and early leaf fall.

Be sure to remove the oldest stems to the ground or cut down each treenotch.bar Time: June. Water regularly as needed. Feed in spring with an all purpose fertilizer prior to new spring growth. Little pruning is necessary but can be cut back to near ground level every year or every few years in spring to rejuvenate and promote vigorous new growth.