Can you grow a Red Elderberry (Sambucus Racemosa) bush in a container on a balcony? It would get about 6 hours or a bit more of sun. (April, 2020)
Yes, you can, although it is not ideally suited for container growing due to its vigor and type of growth. You will need to be mindful that the roots don’t freeze in winter and that you keep the container away from strong, cold winds. The key will be selecting a large container (at least 5 gallon or 60cm/24 inches in diameter and 50cm/20 inches deep) with plenty of drainage holes. Keep in mind that large containers are hard to move around. If you plan to move the pot around a lot, consider positioning the container on a base with wheels. The red elderberry prefers a sunny position and at least 6 hours of sun per day should be enough.
Grow the elderberry in good soil rich in organic matter. You should ensure that it is well watered and does not dry out. However, in pots and containers, excess water will make roots rot rather easily, hence the need for good drainage. During the summer, low doses of liquid fertilizer can be used weekly.
Elderberry canes need to be pruned severely in late winter or early spring after which you can fertilize them with a balanced slow release type of fertilizer and add some compost. Remove any diseased, damaged, dead, or drooping canes by cutting them off at soil level. The canes will produce a light crop in their first year, a heavy crop in their second year, and decline in their third year. Remove all the third year canes and leave a few first and second year canes in the container (5-8 canes depending in the size of the container).
Sources:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberries-in-containers.htm
http://www.madaboutberries.com/elderberries/growing-elderberries-in-pots-and-containers.html
