Sambucus Mix – Ornamental Elder Shrubs

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra (mixed varieties)

• Common Name: Ornamental Elder

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrubs with varied foliage colours, flowers, and fruit depending on the variety.

• Height & Spread at Maturity: Generally between 2–5 metres tall and 2–4 metres wide, depending on selection.

• Foliage: The mix includes a range of foliage colours and textures—from deep purple-black leaves (Black Lace, Black Beauty) to golden-yellow (Golden Tower, Aurea) and finely cut or broader leaf forms.

• Flowers: Umbel-shaped clusters of creamy-white or pink-tinted flowers appear in late spring to early summer, often with a light fragrance.

• Fruit: Many varieties produce glossy black or deep purple elderberries in autumn, valued by birds and useful in cooking (after cooking only).

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring: Fresh colourful foliage emerges.

  • Summer: Large, showy flower clusters attract pollinators.

  • Autumn: Striking berries and lasting foliage colour.

  • Winter: Bare branching structure adds depth to the garden.

• Garden Uses:

  • Excellent for mixed borders or wildlife gardens.

  • Works as a specimen shrub for colour contrast.

  • Many cultivars are suitable for hedging or screening.

• Special Features: Fast-growing, hardy, and low-maintenance. Provides both ornamental value and ecological benefits.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Grow best in full sun to partial shade.

  • Deep-coloured varieties like Black Lace show richest foliage tones in full sun.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Tolerant of most soils including clay, loam, and sandy conditions.

  • Prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, particularly in the first 2 years after planting.

  • Mulching helps retain moisture and protect roots.

• pH Range:

  • Adaptable to acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils.

• Planting Time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Use golden-leaved varieties in shadier spots to brighten dark corners.

  • Purple or black-leaved types provide excellent contrast against lighter foliage plants.

  • Works well in cottage-style gardens, modern designs, or wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Regular watering during hot, dry periods is essential.

  • Once established, plants are moderately drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth and flowering.

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter or early spring.

  • Can be cut back hard every 1–3 years to rejuvenate growth and maintain compact form.

  • For a larger specimen, remove only dead or damaged wood and shape lightly.

• Mulching:

  • Apply organic mulch in spring to retain moisture and improve soil structure.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally resistant, though occasional aphid infestations may occur.

  • Good airflow reduces the risk of powdery mildew.

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland.

  • No winter protection is necessary.

• Additional Notes:

  • Elderflowers can be used to make syrups and cordials.

  • Berries should never be eaten raw—they must be cooked before use.

  • Attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a perfect wildlife-friendly plant choice.

✨ Sambucus Mix offers gardeners a versatile collection of elder shrubs in a range of colours and forms, combining striking foliage, summer flowers, and autumn berries with easy care. Perfect for borders, hedges, and wildlife gardens, these shrubs add long-lasting interest to any outdoor space

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.