How to prune elderberry 'wyldewood'

Late winter to early spring, during full dormancy. Use renewal pruning: remove the heaviest, oldest canes at ground level each year. Control the spread by cutting unwanted root suckers flush with the soil. Tip the retained canes back by 20–30% to encourage branching and abundant flower clusters.

Annually. Elderberry 'Wyldewood' (a Southern-adapted Sambucus canadensis cultivar) is a fast-growing, suckering shrub that needs annual pruning to stay tidy and productive. Cut out one-third of the oldest canes to the base each winter. Also remove suckers around the perimeter unless expanding the planting. Tip-prune remaining canes to promote the lateral shoots that bear fruit.

Use renewal pruning: remove the heaviest, oldest canes at ground level each year. Control the spread by cutting unwanted root suckers flush with the soil. Tip the retained canes back by 20–30% to encourage branching and abundant flower clusters.