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Sambucus nigra Madonna - Black Elder

Sambucus nigra Madonna
European Elder, Black Elder, Elder, Elderberry, European Elderberry, European black Elderberry

4,3/5
4 reviews
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Very well

Jean jacques, 24/09/2021

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Sambucus nigra Madonna, a decorative bush with large creamy white flowers and bright variegated foliage.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
2.50 m
Spread at maturity
2 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Sambucus nigra Madonna is a decorative bush that blooms abundantly. In June, terminal cymes of creamy white flowers emerge. The 2 cm (1in) wide umbels are honey producing. In late summer the flowers are replaced by small red fruits in spherical berries that turn black. These fruits attract birds and are used to make jams or wine. Toxic when raw, they become edible when cooked.

This elder, with a compact and rounded habit, has deciduous and ornamental foliage of dark green variegated with bright yellow. The large leaves, measuring up to 25 cm (10in) long, release a strong odour when crushed.

Sambucus nigra is a species with very good hardiness that can reach a height of 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) at maturity. You can plant it in flowerbeds or as a standalone specimen. This elder will prosper on slopes as well as in informal or screen hedges. Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, it is a plant with many medicinal properties.

Sambucus nigra Madonna - Black Elder in pictures

Sambucus nigra Madonna - Black Elder (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.50 m
Spread at maturity 2 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to June
Flower size 2 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour variegated with yellow

Botanical data

Genus

Sambucus

Species

nigra

Cultivar

Madonna

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Other common names

European Elder, Black Elder, Elder, Elderberry, European Elderberry, European black Elderberry

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference79691

Planting and care

Sambucus nigra Madonna thrives in partial shade or full sun. Plant it in ordinary, even chalky soil, well-drained and rich in humus. Easy to grow, it requires little maintenance. In April-May, before flowering, prune dead or diseased wood and branches that compromise the symmetry of the bush in order to keep only the vigorous branches. The Sambucus tolerates hard pruning, but maintain a minimum of old branches as the flowering will occur on the unpruned branches.

Planting period

Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Type of use Border, Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time April to May
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,3/5
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