Instant Karma
Sambucus nigra 'Instant Karma'
In growth
JFMAMJJASOND
In bloom
JFMAMJJASOND
Planting Guide
| Spacing | 48-72 in apart |
|---|---|
| Planting depth | Crown at soil level |
| Chilling hours | 500 |
| Life expectancy | 10+ years |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Planted | 2022 |
| Bed | To Be Sorted |
Growing Conditions
| Sun | Full Sun - Partial Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Average |
| Soil type | Rich, moist, well-draining loam; adaptable |
| Soil pH | 5.5-6.5 |
| Zones | 4-7 |
| Native status | Cultivar |
Appearance
| Type | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Leaf | Ovate (Egg-shaped) |
| Foliage colour | Cream and green variegated |
| Bloom | White, flat-topped flower clusters |
| Fruit | Berry |
| Evergreen | Deciduous |
Root System
| System | Fibrous/Adventitious Systems |
|---|---|
| Morphology | Mixed Fine & Coarse |
| Function | Mixed Orders |
| Propagation | Hardwood cuttings in late fall, softwood cuttings in early summer |
Wildlife & Safety
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
|---|---|
| Deer | Not Resistant |
| Toxicity | Toxic to Humans |
| Edibility | Edible |
| Companions | Spirea, Weigela, Viburnum |
Where it came from
| Grower | Proven Winners |
|---|---|
| Bought at | Kulak's Nursery |
Care
Water regularly. Mulch to retain moisture. Cut back hard every 2-3 years to rejuvenate.
Maintenance
Prune in early spring to shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Remove old unproductive canes.
Cleanup
Cut stems back to 12 in in late fall or early spring. Remove all dead wood.
Notes
Striking variegated cream-and-green foliage. Elderflowers attract pollinators; berries (cooked) attract birds. Raw berries can cause nausea.