Overwintering guide
How to overwinter bob gordon elderberry
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills bob gordon elderberry in winter
Cutting bob gordon elderberry hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More bob gordon elderberry care
- Overwintering elder — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering bob gordon elderberry — our other guide for the same plant
- Full bob gordon elderberry care guide
- Bob Gordon Elderberry temperature range
- How often to water bob gordon elderberry
- How to prune bob gordon elderberry
- Common bob gordon elderberry problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering bob gordon elderberry — FAQ
Does bob gordon elderberry need to come indoors for winter?
Bob Gordon Elderberry is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Bob Gordon Elderberry is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move bob gordon elderberry for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water bob gordon elderberry in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills bob gordon elderberry over winter?
Cutting bob gordon elderberry hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.