Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ – Golden Elder

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’

• Common Name: Golden Elder, Red-berried Elder

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub with ornamental foliage and fruit.

• Height & Spread: Reaches around 2.5–3 metres in height with a spread of 2 metres, forming a bushy, upright shape.

• Foliage: The standout feature is its bright golden-yellow finely divided leaves, which provide a striking contrast in mixed borders. Foliage colour is most intense in full sun but softens to lime-green in partial shade.

• Flowers: In late spring to early summer, it produces creamy-white flower clusters that attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

• Fruit: Clusters of vivid red berries appear in summer, providing an additional ornamental feature and attracting birds.

• Garden Uses:

  • Perfect for mixed shrub borders, adding colour and texture.

  • Works well as a stand-alone specimen for year-round interest.

  • Suitable for wildlife gardens, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers and bird-attracting berries.

  • Great for contrasting with darker-leaved shrubs such as purple elders or cotinus.

• Special Features: Hardy, fast-growing, and low-maintenance. Its golden foliage brings brightness to shaded corners or acts as a focal point in sunny borders.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Best foliage colour is achieved in full sun.

  • Will tolerate light shade, but leaves may turn more greenish.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in moist but well-drained soils.

  • Tolerant of a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Appreciates consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry periods.

  • Avoid waterlogging, as soggy soils may harm root health.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Plant where its golden foliage contrasts against darker plants.

  • Works well in medium to large gardens, either as a focal point or backdrop.

  • Space plants adequately (about 2 metres apart) if using in borders.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly after planting until established.

  • During prolonged dry spells, deep watering helps maintain healthy growth.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage lush foliage and strong flowering.

  • Mulching annually with organic matter will improve soil structure and moisture retention.

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

  • Can be cut back hard every few years to rejuvenate and encourage fresh golden growth.

  • Remove any damaged, diseased, or crossing branches.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

  • Occasional aphids or mildew may appear but are rarely serious.

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and cold weather.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator health.

  • Red berries are a food source for birds in late summer.

✨ Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ is a vibrant, hardy shrub that offers year-round appeal through golden foliage, creamy-white flowers, and red berries. Easy to care for and wildlife-friendly, it is a versatile choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant with high ornamental value.

• Size
  3 lt

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)

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