About
Decidous low maintenance shrub with a dense upright habit and finely-divided palmate leaves of almost black foliage. Red buds open in summer to flattened panicles of scented reddish-pink flowers that turn into glossy, dark purple fruit in autumn, a popular food source for wildlife.
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 pHAlkaline, Acid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationWill tolerate most soils in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or partial-shade, prefering full sun to achieve the darkest leaf colour. Feed and water until well established, and lightly prune to keep in shape if necessary requiring little maintenance after that.
PruningMinimal pruning in winter for general maintenance and to keep in shape. It will tolerate hard pruning to rejuvenate if required.
PropagationPropagate from hard-wood or soft-wood cuttings.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus