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Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Image of Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Jesse Saylor

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Botanical Name

Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Plant Common Name

Black Elderberry

General Description

Black elderberry is a large upright deciduous shrub native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It is grown for its handsome foliage, large musky-scented flowers, and showy clusters of fruit. A wildlife magnet, it attracts butterflies with its flowers and wildlife with its fruit.

The compact variegated cultivar 'Madonna' sports deep green leaves that are splotched and bordered with gold and chartreuse when young and with creamy ivory when mature. These are divided into many elliptic leaflets, giving a ferny, tropical appearance. The leaves emit a somewhat unpleasant odor when crushed. In late spring and early summer, flat-topped umbels of scented white flowers appear followed in autumn by large clusters of glossy blue-black berries. The flowers and berries are used to flavor wine and preserves. This cultivar forms an upright head-high shrub.

Not fussy about soils, elderberries like a sunny spot and moderate moisture. For best fruiting, plant two or more cultivars in the shrub border or as a screen or backdrop for brightly colored perennials. For even larger, showier foliage, prune 'Madonna' hard in early spring.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Ivory

  • Fruit Color

    Blue, Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Chartreuse, Yellow Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes