Sambucus nigra 'Madonna'

One of the best cream variegated and hardy shrubs in cultivation with bright, creamy yellow variegation on the young leaves in spring which turns white as they age. The best foliage colour is seen on fresh growth and Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' is best when pruned back hard every one or two years to encourage this.

Tough, popular garden shrub which can be pruned to size and is lovely when planted against a dark background to highlight the leaf colour, for example in front of a dark green hedge.

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: June.
• Flower Colour: White
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' grows to be a medium sized, rounded shrub.
  • Height: eventually up to 2.5 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft) / or 2.5 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft) after 10 years
  • Spread: 2 - 2.5 m (6 - 8 ft) / or 2 - 2.5 m (6 - 8 ft) after 10 years