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Photo by Karl Gercens III

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Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Also Known As

Black Elder
ElderberryGenus
European Elder

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 6'-12'
W: 6'-12'

planting zones

5a-8b

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Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' plant details

Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with gold, green and variegated foliage. In spring and summer cream and white flowers emerge followed by black and purple fruit. Grows well with sun - shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: adoxaceae
Foliage: deciduous gold, green and variegated
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 6 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

As flashy as its namesake,(or almost?!), the foliage of this dramatic large 6-10' shrub is splashed brightly and irregularly with gold and perhaps the most colorful of the elders; large clusters of black berries follow white flowers. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Compact, slower growing cultivar; eventually 6-8’. Striking gold edged leaves gleam in lightly shaded locations…most soils, summer moisture for best appearance. Bright light or morning sun for best leaf color. Will grow in more shaded conditions but leave variegation will be muted. Delicate white umbel flowers in summer followed by purple black elderberries. Deer resistant. Z5

By: Secret Garden Growers

The hottest Shrub/Tree in the trade. The large green leaves are splashed & marbled in bright gold. This is a slower growing form which makes it a candidate for a small garden. White flat flowers borne in clusters in early summer followed by glossy black fruit. Looks great against a dark background (house or evergreens.)

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Photo of Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' foliage by Karl Gercens III

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By: Karl Gercens III

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Photo of Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

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By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

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Gardening facts about Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' plant

How to Grow Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

Sun Exposure
- sun - shade
Water Needs
- even moisture
Soil Needs
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained

Features

Foliage Color
- variegated
- gold
- green
Flower Color
- white
- cream
Wildlife
- deer resistant
Fruit
- purple
- black
Flower Season
- summer
- spring
Foliage Season
- deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Sambucus for your garden

Sambucus nigra Black Lace™ PP15575

Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra 'Eva'

aka Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace', Sambucus nigre 'Eva Black Lace', Black Lace Elderberry, Black Lace™ European Elderberry

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub, Fruit / Vegetable

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 6'-8'

sun - mostly shade
even moisture - regular

Photo of Sambucus nigra Black Lace™ PP15575 flower by Anna Kullgren

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Sambucus caerulea

aka Sambucus caerulea var. neomexicana, Sambucus cerulea, Sambucus glauca var. neomexicana, Sambucus mexicana, Sambucus neomexicana, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea, Blue Elderberry, Caerulea Blue Elderberry, Mexican Elderberry, New Mexico Elder, Tapiro