Sambucus canadensis 'Blonde Envy'

We are so thrilled to be able to share the US native Sambucus 'Blonde Envy'. For years, we have failed miserably with the colored-foliage elderberries on the market, which have extremely poor heat tolerance. Sambucus 'Blonde Envy' is a wild discovery in Fairfield County, SC by plantsman Keith Mearns, so it thrives in full sun, heat, and humidity. This amazing discovery forms a giant clump to 6' tall x 8' wide, clothed with brilliant yellow foliage. In late summer the winter-deciduous clump is further adorned with terminal clusters of tiny white flowers, followed by purple fruit.

Maintenance:

Sambucus is a maintenance-free garden perennial. Elderberry will, however, tolerate hard pruning if necessary to maintain it at a smaller size.

Growing Conditions:

Full sun and moist to average soil moisture is ideal, although it is fairly drought tolerant for a short time.

Garden Value:

The foliage is bright yellow all through the growing season. It does not fade. The tiny white flowers are borne in very large flat clusters much like Queen Anne's Lace, though much larger. The fruit and the flowers are edible.

Natural Impact:

This superb ornamental also supports wildlife, both its flowers and fruit.