Elderberry (Bob Gordon)
$18.00
Out of stock
The berries of this Elderberry are larger and sweeter compared to other varieties. These plants are robust and yield abundantly. After dormancy, this cultivar can be cut back to the ground, and the crops can be gathered the following year from primocane stems. Production is high, and these plants seem to show some resistance to Japanese Beetles. Elderberries grow as a multi-stemmed shrub, reaching heights of about 10 feet and spreading about 3 feet wide. The Bob Gordon American Elderberry was discovered and gathered from its natural habitat by Robert Gordon, Charlotte Cooper, and Andrew Thomas near Osceola, MO, on September 29, 1999. The berries are a deep purple, mature evenly in the cymes, and are known for their resistance to shattering.
Key Characteristics
Fruit Production: The shrub produces abundant, large, dark purple-black berries (up to 1/4 inch in diameter) in late summer. The fruit clusters droop down, which naturally makes them less accessible to birds.
Flavor & Use: The berries are notably sweeter than many other varieties and rich in antioxidants. They are excellent for processing into jams, syrups, wines, and juices, but should be cooked before consumption.
Size & Growth: 'Bob Gordon' is a vigorous shrub that typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. It can be pruned heavily in late winter and will produce fruit on new growth (primocanes) in the same season, which is useful for size control or commercial harvesting.
Growing Conditions: It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and prefers full sun for best fruit production, but tolerates partial shade. It adapts well to a variety of soils, provided they are moist but well-drained.
Pollination: While partially self-fertile, planting a different American elderberry variety nearby (such as 'Wyldewood', 'Adams', or 'Ranch') will significantly increase fruit yields.