Bob Gordon Elderberry is a productive American cultivar of Sambucus canadensis that grows 8 feet or taller and produces abundant clusters of large, flavorful purple berries. Developed in 1999 by Bob Gordon in Osceola, Missouri, this variety has become a cornerstone of regional elderberry agriculture, particularly prized for its unique fruit-hanging habit that keeps berries safely tucked below the foliage, away from hungry birds. Hardy in zones 4-9, it thrives in full sun and blooms in late summer with flowers followed by substantial berry yields. The berries hang dramatically downward, making this variety especially valuable for growers contending with wild bird pressure.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-9
96in H x ?in W
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High
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The real draw here is the architecture of the plant itself. Unlike most elderberries where fruit sits exposed among the upper foliage, Bob Gordon's berries dangle downward in heavy clusters, naturally protected from birds and easier to harvest. Large, flavorful purple berries arrive in abundance, and the plant's vigorous 8-foot-plus growth delivers serious yields without requiring complex management. It's become a staple across a growing regional elderberry industry for good reason: reliability, productivity, and that elegant draping form.
As an edible fruit variety, Bob Gordon Elderberry berries are used for juice, syrup, jam, wine, and traditional herbal preparations. The large clusters and abundant yields make this cultivar well-suited to both home preservation and commercial processing operations seeking consistent, substantial berry harvests.
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Start seeds indoors at temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings outdoors after last frost date in your zone.
Transplant after the last frost date in your region. Hardening off is recommended before moving plants to their permanent location. Space plants 8 feet or more apart to accommodate mature height and spread.
Harvest berries when they turn fully purple and feel soft to the touch, typically in late summer after blooming completes. The downward-hanging clusters make picking straightforward and accessible. Pick entire clusters once berries have fully ripened, as they do not continue to ripen after being removed from the plant.
Prune to maintain desired size and shape, cutting back as needed to manage the vigorous 8-foot-plus growth habit. The catalog description references cutting the bush, suggesting it responds well to rejuvenation pruning. Remove dead or weak canes annually to encourage strong new growth and maximize fruiting.
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“Bob Gordon selected and developed this cultivar in 1999 in Osceola, Missouri, where it has since become foundational to a developing regional elderberry-growing industry. His careful selection focused on combining productivity with the practical advantage of naturally pendant fruit clusters, solving a real problem for growers managing wildlife pressure. From a single selection in Missouri, Bob Gordon Elderberry has evolved into a regionally significant variety, testament to how one person's horticultural insight can create lasting agricultural value.”