About
A deciduous, compact, mound forming shrub with deeply divided golden to acid yellow leaves. It is grown principally as a foliage plant, but in early summer it produces frothy cream-white flowers followed in late summer by clusters of orange-red berries. Newly emerged leaves are often tinted bronze.
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, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Leaf colour is often better retained in partial shade. In full sun or exposed positions, leaf scorch may occur
PruningPruning group 1, or suitable for coppicing every 3-4 years. Tolerates hard renovation pruning to restrict size
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in midsummer, or hardwood cuttings in mid-autumn to late-winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus