About
This large, bushy deciduous shrub with pinnate, deep golden-yellow leaves and flattish heads of small, scented creamy-white flowers followed by purple-black berries.
About the genus
Sambucus can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with pinnate leaves and umbels or panicles of small creamy-white flowers followed by red, white or black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 50846,sambucus-nigra-f-laciniata,Sambucus nigra f. laciniata,cut-leaved elder,A large
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils and also thrives on extremely chalky sites
PruningPruning group 1 or suitable for coppicing every 3 to 4 years. Tolerates hard size-restricting pruning
PropagationPropagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus