About
A large, bushy deciduous shrub with deeply dissected, fern-like leaves and flat heads of small creamy-white flowers in summer, followed by glossy 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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-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 Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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 cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Propagate by seed sown in the open ground or containers in the autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus