Sambucus propagation

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Sep 06, 2004 9:33 pm

Has anyone propagated Sambucus nigra from cuttings, and if so, can you give me any tips? How long does it take for roots to form from cuttings?

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Sep 06, 2004 10:23 pm

I've done the common Sambucus canadensis, but not the nigra. I would think they are pretty much the same. If so, it's probably to late for soft or semi-ripe cuttings. You might try some hardwood cuttings in mid-winter. If you have any flexable canes, try layering. That's my favorite way of prop for just about anything.

Post by **Chris_W** » Sep 06, 2004 11:20 pm

That's what I was thinking too, that you could try bending some down and burying them in the ground to root them. That's how we do most of our woody propagation. I'm not sure how long it would take for them to root since I haven't done this one, but we bought some plants from rooted cuttings this spring so they can't be too difficult or companies wouldn't do it...

Good luck!

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Sep 06, 2004 11:47 pm

The Sambucus in question has lots of branches that touch the ground. I think I'll try layering. Thanks guys!

ShadyIndyLady · Post by **ShadyIndyLady** » Sep 07, 2004 11:35 am

I just planted the Sambucus Nigra last Fall. Mine has
branches to the ground too, Doris! I thought the leaves
were supposed to get pretty dark on this but mine aren't
as dark as I was expecting....and it didn't bloom this year
so I'm hoping it will next year!

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Sep 07, 2004 11:09 pm

I think the leaves are darker when they're new, and they green up with time. I bought a really dark cultivar this year, and it has stayed dark all season.

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Sep 10, 2004 11:53 pm

Here's a picture of the Sambucus in question. Look at the color of those leaves. Can you see why I want to have more of these?

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Sep 11, 2004 12:06 am

Does it still have the white flowers? Elderberrys make great Jelly and wine.

whis4ey · Post by **whis4ey** » Sep 11, 2004 6:54 am

Mine has pink flowers if I remember right
It is a most beautiful dark colour. I will be disappointed if I lose that colour with time
I must try 'layering' as well

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Sep 11, 2004 11:38 am

This variety has pink flowers. Sam, this color in my photo is from yesterday. It's been dark all season long. That's why I want more!

doublemom2 · Post by **doublemom2** » Oct 14, 2004 10:46 pm

Doris - Is that Sambucus 'Black Beauty'? It's a nice one, I have it and love it, though it's still a baby.

Andi

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Oct 15, 2004 11:16 pm

Yes, Andi, that's Black Beauty. Here she is this week, still nice and black, with Cyclamen popping out below.

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Mar 06, 2005 10:44 pm

Hey, folks, remember this thread and our discussion of layering Sambucus? Guess how many Sambucus 'Black Beauty' I cut loose and potted today?

Did you guess?

Did you say SEVEN?

And I still have a couple branches buried--not rooted well enough.

Post by **Chris_W** » Mar 06, 2005 11:49 pm

That's great news Doris!

I can't wait to see the batch we started last year come up. Hopefully they are as nice and dark as yours

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Mar 07, 2005 2:25 am

Way

! If your going to try some more, bury a pot in the ground and layer right into the pot. Saves some transplanting.

Did you wound it and/or use hormone powder on the layered stems?

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Mar 09, 2005 11:19 pm

I did wound the stems, but no rooting powder. I had a feeling they would root fairly easily. This is so exciting!