You will need two elderberry bushes to ensure a good crop of fruit. While elderberries are self-fruitful, meaning they can produce fruit on their own, having two different shrubs for cross pollination will result in a more dependable and larger harvest of berries.
Cross pollination occurs when pollen from one elderberry bush is transferred to the flowers of another bush. This process increases the chances of successful fertilization and fruit set. It also promotes genetic diversity, which can lead to healthier plants and potentially larger, sweeter berries.
I have personally experienced the benefits of having multiple elderberry bushes for cross pollination in my own garden. In the past, I had only one elderberry bush and while it did produce some berries, the harvest was quite small. After adding another elderberry bush to the garden, I noticed a significant increase in the number of flowers and ultimately, a much larger yield of delicious elderberries.
When selecting elderberry varieties for cross pollination, it’s important to choose different cultivars or species. Sambucus canadensis is a common native elderberry species in North America, but there are also other species and cultivars available, such as Sambucus nigra or Sambucus racemosa. By choosing different species or cultivars, you ensure that the pollen from one bush will be compatible with the flowers of the other, promoting successful cross pollination.
Planting two elderberry bushes in close proximity to each other is ideal for ensuring proper cross pollination. Be sure to give them enough space to grow and spread, as elderberries can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet and have a spreading habit. A spacing of about 6 to 10 feet between bushes should be sufficient.
It’s worth noting that elderberries are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, so having multiple bushes can help support local pollinator populations as well. The more bees that visit your garden, the better the chances of successful pollination and fruit set.
While elderberries are self-fruitful, having two different elderberry bushes for cross pollination is highly recommended to ensure a more dependable and larger crop of berries. Not only does cross pollination increase the chances of successful fertilization and fruit set, but it also promotes genetic diversity and can lead to healthier plants and potentially larger, sweeter berries. So, if you’re considering growing elderberries, I would definitely recommend planting at least two bushes in your garden.
