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Sambucus racemosa Lemony Lace ('Smnsrd4')

red elderberry [Lemony Lace]

A deciduous, compact, mound forming shrub with deeply divided golden to acid yellow leaves. Newly emerged leaves are often tinted bronze. It is grown principally as a foliage plant, but in early summer it produces frothy cream-white flowers followed in late summer by clusters of orange-red berries.

Synonyms
Sambucus racemosa 'Smnsrd4'
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Gold Bronze
Summer Cream White Yellow Gold Bronze Orange Red
Autumn Yellow Gold
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful 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
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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Leaf colour is often better retained in partial shade. In full sun or exposed positions, leaf scorch may occur

Propagation

Take softwood cuttings in midsummer, or hardwood cuttings in mid-autumn to late-winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1, or suitable for coppicing every 3-4 years. Tolerates hard renovation pruning to restrict size

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus

Get involved

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