Description

Scotia Elderberry

Scotia elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Scotia’) is a popular cultivar renowned for its cold hardiness, vigorous growth, and impressive fruit production. Originating in Nova Scotia, this variety was bred for superior adaptability and high yields, making it a favorite among growers in northern climates.

Scotia is one of my favorite elderberry cultivars. The berries are small but sweeter than most. It’s a stunning plant with incredible growth potential, capable of growing over 10 feet in a single season. It responds exceptionally well to heavy pruning and coppicing. I use a 2-year rotation: in the first year, I prune it flush to the ground. The following late winter, I coppice it to about 4 feet above the ground. This encourages an explosion of new growth with abundant flowers and berries. In the next late winter, I cut it back to the ground again.

Size: Typically grows 8–12 feet tall and wide, depending on growing conditions
Hardiness Zone: 3–9
Semi-indeterminate (In zone 5 we can get a primary and half sized secondary fruiting)

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter
• pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0)
• Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruiting