Bob Gordon Elderberry

Description

Requirements and Tolerances

Cold Tolerance: USDA Zone 4-9
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Water Requirements: Moderate, consistent moisture
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
Plant Spacing: 6-12′ apart
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Chilling Hours: None
Heat Tolerance: Moderate

Physical Characteristics

Rootstock: Own Roots
Plant Size: 6-12′ tall, 6-12′ wide
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed
Foliage Color: Green
Bloom Time: June-July
Flower Color: White
Fall Color: Yellow-green
Berry Size: 0.25″
Berry Flavor: Sweet, tart
Berry Color and Appearance Dark purple, glossy

Growth and Reproduction

Growth Rate: Moderate
Years to Bear: 2-3
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Pollination Requirements: Requires cross-pollination
Pollination Mechanisms: Insects (bees)
Harvest Time: August-September
Yield & Storage: High, store in a cool, dry place

Disease Resistance

Toxicity: Non-toxic
Invasive Potential: Low
Native Range: Eastern North America
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Cytospora Canker (Cytospora spp.): Moderately Resistant
Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe sambuci): Moderately Resistant
Armillaria Root Rot (Armillaria mellea): Moderately Resistant
Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium spp.): Moderately Resistant
Elderberry Borer (Desmocerus palliatus): Moderately Resistant
Aphids (Aphidoidea): Moderately Resistant