Sambucus nigra Madonna - Grand sureau, Sureau noir, Sureau commun, Arbre de Judas, Susier, Sureau, Sureau suin, Haut bois, Sambuce

The Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' is an interesting selection of black elder for its cream-yellow variegated foliage, particularly bright from spring to autumn. Its young leaves may take on an attractive apricot tint. In early summer, large white clusters stand out against this foliage and are followed by black berries appreciated by birds. This robust shrub, less bulky than the wild black elder, is well suited to informal hedges, back of borders, and cottage gardens.

This variety belongs to the family Viburnaceae. It is a deciduous shrub whose leaves fall in autumn and new shoots appear in spring. The species Sambucus nigra, known as black elder or common elder, is naturally found from the Azores and Europe to western Iran. It grows in hedges, open woodlands, fallow land, and soils rich in organic matter, often near dwellings. 'Madonna' differs from it by its more moderate growth and, above all, by the very pronounced variegation of its foliage. The shrub has an upright, well-branched habit that becomes rounded with age. Its growth is medium fast. It reaches 2 to 2.50 m in height with a spread of 1.50 to 2 m after five to ten years of cultivation. Its large leaves are arranged in pairs along the branches. They measure up to 20 or 25 cm and are mostly composed of five to seven ovate, pointed, and strongly toothed leaflets. Their centre, greyish green or medium green, is surrounded by a wide irregular margin, initially golden yellow to almost apricot, then cream yellow or pale cream. This colouring will be more pronounced if the plant receives abundant light. The young branches contain a soft, pale pith; the bark becomes grey and fissured with age. In May and June, sometimes early July depending on the climate, many small white to cream-white flowers open in broad flat cymes. These light clusters, pleasantly fragrant, are visited by pollinating insects. At the end of summer, they give way to small spherical fruits, first reddish then black and shiny, gathered in pendulous clusters. Birds readily eat them. The flowers and ripe fruits can also be used in cooking after cooking; other parts of the plant and raw fruits are not intended for consumption. Elder branches, easy to hollow out due to their wide pith, were once used to make whistles and small flutes.

In an informal hedge or at the back of a large border, this elder is best paired with dark foliage that will highlight its elegant variegation. You can choose Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’, with almost black leaves. Alongside them, Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ will provide colour in winter with its purplish-brown branches. At the foot of the shrubs, you can plant Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’ for its garnet-purple flowers and chocolate-coloured foliage in spring. Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Blackfield’ will take over in summer with its burgundy-red spikes.