Sambucus
Elderberry
Throughout the world, Elders have long been considered powerful trees and shrubs. Sicilians thought the branches killed serpents and drove away robbers; Serbs believed the branches brought good luck at weddings; the English carried knotted twigs in their pockets to ward off rheumatism. We invite you to plant Elders to provide quick shade, wind protection, or an easy screen for unwanted views.
These wild-looking deciduous shrubs grow quickly and offer a beautiful accent near water. With pinnate leaves, white to pink flat flower clusters that measure up to 10 in. wide, and small, dark fruit, most of the twenty species of the genus like good, moist soil.
Touted as one of the choicest hardy variegated shrubs in cultivation, the snazzy deciduous foliage ranges from light green to chartreuse when young, and cream to gold or gray-green upon maturity. A slower growing resilient habit, stylish ivory-colored umbels and glossy black berries offer additional allure. Perfect for mixed borders and wilder venues, ‘Madonna’s eye-catching persona can be superimposed against dark-leafed Taxus ‘H. M. Eddie’, while enjoying a yearly pruning plus adequately moist sites with moderate fertility and good drainage.
Blooms late June–July
Size: 6' 0" – 8' 0" high x 6' 0" – 8' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
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