About
Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' is an upright, bushy deciduous shrub characterized by its pinnate leaves that display variegation with pale cream edges. In summer, it produces airy clusters of small, fragrant white flowers, which are later succeeded by glossy black berries.
About the genus
Sambucus includes herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, and small trees, characterized by pinnate foliage and clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. These blossoms are succeeded by berries that can be red, white, or black.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
- Cultivation
- Will grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Thrives on very chalky soil
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, or suitable for coppicing every three to four years to restrict size and improve foliage display
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus