Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Sambucus nigra 'Marginata' (v)

elder 'Marginata'

A bushy, deciduous shrub or small tree with divided, pinnate variegated leaves with a yellow margin. Frothy panicles of tiny, scented, white flowers in summer are followed by round, glossy, black fruit in autumn.

Synonyms
Sambucus nigra 'Albomarginata'
Sambucus nigra 'Albovariegata'
see moreSambucus nigra 'Argenteomarginata'
Sambucus nigra 'Variegata'

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Variegated Yellow
Summer White Variegated Yellow
Autumn Variegated Yellow Black
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked - 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Thrives on very chalky soil

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1, or suitable for coppicing every three to four years to restrict size and improve foliage display

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.