Noteworthy CharacteristicsSambucus is suitable for mixed or shrub borders or for naturalizing in wild areas; this variegated cultivar is effective as a specimen. Its fruits have culinary attributes when cooked, but can cause illness if eaten raw, or if the poisonous seeds are consumed.

CareProvide moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. Sambucus may be pruned minimally to maintain a healthy framework, but it benefits from hard pruning to restrict its size. Cultivars such as this that are grown for their foliage may be cut back to the ground annually in late winter or early spring.

PropagationTake softwood cuttings in early summer.

ProblemsPowdery mildew, canker, dieback, rust, fungal leaf spots, borers, virus diseases.