Elderflower Everything: From Garden to Glass
It’s June in Georgia, and that means elderflowers are showing off their creamy white, lace-like blooms. These delicate blossoms aren’t just a treat for the eyes (and the pollinators!), they’re packed with healing benefits and timeless magic that herbalists and kitchen witches alike can’t get enough of.
Whether you’re ready to brew a cooling tea, make your own floral cordial, or simply steep a sun-tea with a garden harvest, elderflower is ready to delight you, from garden to glass.
Why We Love Elderflower (and Why Your Garden Will Too)
Elderflower comes from the elderberry shrub (Sambucus canadensis), a native North American plant that’s right at home here in Georgia. This hardy, fast-growing shrub does more than just look good—it’s a multitasker in the garden and in your apothecary.
Here’s why we’re obsessed:
Feeds pollinators like bees and butterflies with its lacey white blooms
Provides habitat and food for birds and beneficial wildlife
Delivers medicinal magic—from floral teas to cold-fighting syrups
Tastes amazing in spritzers, teas, and syrups thanks to its light, floral flavor
Restores local ecosystems as a native, water-wise, low-maintenance plant
Used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, elderflower is known for its:
Anti-inflammatory support
Immune-boosting benefits
Soothing effects on seasonal allergies and colds
Fun fact: While elderberries get all the winter wellness hype, elderflowers are the true stars of summer. Harvested at peak bloom, they can be used fresh or dried for use all year long.
In short, elderflower is like nature’s version of a chilled-out spa day—with a little sparkle ✨ and a whole lot of purpose.
How to Harvest Elderflower
Ready to bring this bloom indoors? Here’s how:
Wait for a dry, sunny day. Morning harvest is best—just after dew has dried.
Choose fully open flower heads that are still creamy white and fragrant (no browning!).
Snip the stem just below the flower head. Shake gently to remove any critters.
Use immediately or dry flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Pro Tip: Only harvest from plants you know are pesticide-free—and always leave enough for the bees and birds.
Garden-to-Glass: Make Your Own Elderflower Cordial
This bright, sweet syrup captures summer in a bottle—and it’s easier than you think!
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
You’ll need:
15–20 elderflower heads (fresh)
1 lemon, sliced
4 cups water
3 cups sugar
2 tsp citric acid (optional, helps preserve longer)
Instructions:
Bring water and sugar to a boil, stir to dissolve.
Turn off heat. Add elderflowers and lemon slices.
Stir in citric acid, if using.
Cover and steep for 24 hours at room temperature.
Strain through cheesecloth. Bottle and refrigerate.
Use your cordial in:
Sparkling water or soda
Summer mocktails (hello, garden spritz!)
Cocktails (try with gin and a squeeze of citrus)
Over cakes or yogurt for a botanical treat
More Ways to Enjoy Elderflower
If you’re not into syrup (or you harvested more than you thought), try these:
Elderflower tea: Steep 1 Tbsp of dried flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Add honey and lemon if you like!
Floral steam: Add elderflower to a facial steam to calm irritated skin and open up your sinuses.
DIY skincare: Infuse elderflower in oil or witch hazel for a natural skin toner.
From Petal to Potion: A Reminder
Working with plants like elderflower connects us to the seasons, our wellness, and the wild wisdom of nature. Whether you sip it in a spritzer or craft your own skin tonic, you’re honoring the ancient art of herbalism—and helping it bloom again.
Got your own elderflower recipes or rituals? Tag us @PlantedWellnessCo and share how you’re using the season’s most enchanting bloom.
