About
Plumosa Aurea' is a bushy deciduous shrub with golden-yellow, pinnate leaves composed of five attractively dissected leaflets, bronze-tinted when young; conical sprays of small cream flowers sometimes followed by scarlet berries ripening in summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
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 and best in part shade, leaves may scorch in hot sun and colour is retained best in dappled shade
PruningPruning group 7; tolerant of hard pruning to restrict size
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in winter or semi-ripe greenwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids (blackfly) which may infest the young shoots and foliage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus