$26.95
(Sambucus nigra x S. canadenis)
Commercial growers everywhere are starting to extol the virtues of this new introduction named after Marge Millican of Wyldewood Cellars Winery in Molvane, Kansas. It seems to combine the best of both worlds with better adaptability and hardiness than the Europeans as well as higher levels of immune boosting anthocyanins than the North Americans. The heavy producing bush is extremely vigorous, yet relatively compact. It is non-suckering with an upright growth pattern and proven resistance to mites and leaf blight. Last but not least Marge is completely self-fertile. In short, a real winner!
SEMI-FERTILE | ZONE 4 | HARVEST: MID SEPT.
S. canadensis (North American) elder plants grow fruit on new, first year's growth, as well as on older wood. Some commercial growers cut them down to the ground every fall for quick, easy pruning. This should not be done on S. nigra (European) varieties, including Marge, as these bear their fruit on the second year's growth of wood. However, all elders can also be pruned by just removing some of the oldest branches every year after the plants are mature.