Sambucus Mix – Ornamental Elders

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra cultivars (mixed varieties)

• Common Name: Ornamental Elder

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrubs or small trees

• Height & Spread at Maturity: Depending on variety, typically 2–4 metres tall and wide.

• Foliage: Sambucus mixes may include:

  • ‘Black Lace’ – Deeply cut, almost black foliage.

  • ‘Black Beauty’ – Rich purple leaves with pink flowers.

  • ‘Golden Tower’ – Bright golden-green foliage in upright form.

  • ‘Variegata’ – Attractive green leaves with creamy-white edges.

• Flowers: Flat-topped clusters of white or pink flowers in early summer. Highly attractive to bees and pollinators.

• Fruit: Glossy black berries in late summer to autumn, providing food for birds and suitable for culinary use once cooked.

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring: Fresh foliage growth and fragrant blooms.

  • Summer: Bold foliage contrasts and pink or white flowers.

  • Autumn: Berries attract wildlife and leaves may change colour.

  • Winter: Bare stems add structure to the garden.

• Garden Uses:

  • Mixed shrub borders, specimen plants, or hedging.

  • Wildlife gardens for pollinators and birds.

  • Contrasting plant in modern and traditional landscapes.

• Special Features: Hardy, fast-growing, versatile, and tolerant of different conditions. Sambucus varieties combine ornamental foliage with seasonal flowers and berries.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrive in full sun to partial shade.

  • Foliage colour is strongest in full sun, especially for dark or golden-leaved varieties.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Adaptable to most soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.

  • Prefer moist but well-drained soil.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Moderate water requirement.

  • Benefit from consistent watering during hot, dry spells, especially when young.

• pH Range:

  • Tolerant of acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils.

• Planting Time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn, when soil is easier to work.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Excellent for mixed shrub borders, wildlife-friendly plantings, or as standalone focal points.

  • Combine dark-foliage varieties with lighter-leaved shrubs for dramatic contrast.

  • Some varieties are suitable for large containers if watered regularly.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly after planting to establish strong roots.

  • Mature plants are relatively drought tolerant but benefit from watering during extended dry spells.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy foliage, flowering, and berry production.

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to control size and encourage new shoots.

  • Can be cut back hard every 2–3 years for rejuvenation.

  • Remove dead, weak, or overcrowded branches.

• Mulching:

  • Mulch annually with organic matter to conserve moisture and improve soil structure.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-free, but may attract aphids.

  • Good airflow reduces risk of mildew.

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy, requiring no special winter protection.

  • Can withstand frosts and cold conditions.

• Additional Notes:

  • Berries should always be cooked before consumption.

  • Wildlife-friendly choice, supporting both pollinators and birds.

✨ A Sambucus mix provides gardeners with a versatile selection of hardy, fast-growing shrubs, each with unique foliage colours and seasonal appeal. Whether used for dramatic contrasts, wildlife planting, or as architectural specimens, Sambucus varieties add year-round beauty and structure to the garden with minimal care requirements.

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.