About
A medium-sized deciduous shrub with attractively dissected, bright golden-yellow, pinnate leaves. Small conical heads of creamy-white flowers appear in spring, followed by glossy red berries in autumn.
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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Coastal
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
CultivationEasy to grow in moderately fertile, humous rich, moist but well-drained soils and also thrives on extremely chalky sites. Susceptible to leaf scorch in full sun
PruningPruning group 1 or suitable for coppicing every 3 to 4 years. Tolerates hard size-restricting pruning
PropagationPropagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus