‘Johns’ and ‘Adams’ Elderberry Shrub Pairs for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on January 7,2022

Planting instructions

‘Johns’ and ‘Adams’ elderberry shrubs perform well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. Choose a planting site with full sun and rich soil. Once you have found your site, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about three times as wide. Place the shrub into the hole and backfill with dirt. Water thoroughly, and apply a light layer of mulch. You will want to plant your pair of bushes near each other to enhance pollination and fruit production. 

Watering and nutrients

Keep your transplants watered well for the first few weeks. Once the plants are established, you can reduce watering to a few times per week. Mature ‘Johns’ and ‘Adams’ elderberry shrubs prefer moist soil, so be sure to check that the soil is never dry past the first few inches. In nature, these bushes are often found growing alongside ponds and streams, so it is difficult to overwater them. They also perform well in dry, poor soil with the addition of a two to three inch layer of mulch and an application of compost. 

Pollination

While elderberry shrubs are considered self fertile, they will produce more fruit when grown alongside another variety. Buying a pair of bushes, such as the ‘Johns’ and ‘Adams,’ makes it easy to ensure that you will have a large crop of elderberries. Plant the pair within 50 feet of each other for the best results. The species is primarily pollinated through wind dispersion, but the flowers will also attract insects, like butterflies and bees. 

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for elderberry bushes, but it will help the overall health and appearance of your plants. For the first few years, let your bushes grow as they please, only removing dead or dying branches. After three or four years, you can start pruning off the oldest canes. Clearing out old growth will make room for newer canes that will put off higher quantities of fruit. 

Pests, diseases, and animals

Elderberry shrubs are susceptible to a few fungal diseases. Cankers are commonly found on the trunk or branches of a bush, showing up as a deformation on the branch and causing leaves to wilt or die. Prune away these infected branches and burn them to prevent the fungus from returning. Powdery mildew is also prevalent in the species, usually caused by excessively moist conditions. Defend against this fungus by pruning your elderberry bushes to promote airflow and proper sunlight. Birds, deer, and other animals are attracted to elderberries and may attempt to steal your crop.

Harvesting

Elderberry flowers show up in the spring, followed by the prized berries in late summer. The ‘Johns’ and ‘Adams’ pair will ripen approximately two weeks apart, with the Adams berries showing up first, around the month of August. Ripe berries are fully transformed from green to purple. A cluster of ripe berries will be found sagging under the weight of the fruit. Elderberry bushes may produce fruit in the first or second year, but the amount of berries will increase immensely around the third year. 

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