Overview
Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens is a bushy shrubs in the genus Sambucus, part of the Viburnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, coastal, low maintenance and hedging and screens.
About
Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens is a bushy, deciduous cultivar of the Sambucus genus, which includes herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, and small trees with pinnate foliage and clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for wildlife gardens, coastal areas, and low-maintenance hedging or screens. It is best planted in well-drained soil and can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sambucus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens?
Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens need?
Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens hardy in the UK?
Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens?
Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
