I didn’t mention the rooting hormone in my notes from December, but I think I used it. I know that I’ve rooted elderberries in the past without it though. That time, I just stuck 4-5 cuttings in the ground (figuring that only a few would take) in 4 different spots. Almost all of the cuttings took in 3 of the locations, with the 4th location being a bit too wet (my guess).
Of the 4 spots, 2 were Samdal and 2 were Sampo, so I know that both can root. I’m not sure why none of the Sampo rooted this time. Maybe the Sampo branch I chose wasn’t as vigorous as the Samdal branch. That would make sense, as I cut the Samdal back very hard this spring (planning to remove the stump, but never getting around to it). It of course put out a ton of straight-up growth, some of which ended up as cuttings.