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Shrubs
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Black Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- All parts may cause discomfort if ingested although the berries can be edible if cooked. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils and also thrives on extremely chalky sites
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or coppice every 3 to 4 years. Tolerates hard size-restricting pruning
Pests
Can get blackfly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be subject to verticillium wilt
Get involved
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