Lemony Lace Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’

Lemony Lace® Elderberry is a compact, deciduous shrub prized for its finely cut, bright yellow-green foliage with red-tinged new growth. Unlike traditional elderberries, this variety is grown for its ornamental value rather than fruit production. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), deer-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it a striking addition to mixed borders, foundation plantings, and wildlife gardens in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (extremely winter-hardy, ideal for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (up to 24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly acidic soils.
  • Avoid standing water—elderberries do not tolerate wet feet.
• Spacing: 3-5 feet apart for mass planting, 5+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Water weekly in dry conditions, but plants can tolerate short droughts.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but must have good drainage.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote fresh, healthy growth.
  • Cut back by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
  • Older shrubs can be rejuvenated by cutting back to 12 inches above the ground every few years.

Flowers & Foliage

• Bloom Time: Spring (May-June)
• Flower Color: White clusters (small, delicate blooms attract pollinators)
• Foliage:
  • Spring: Red-tinged new growth
  • Summer: Bright yellow-green, finely cut leaves
  • Fall: Orange-red tones for seasonal contrast

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, drought, and urban pollution

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Pruning in Late Winter: Cutting back in early spring will promote fresh, colorful growth in the new season.

Landscape Uses

Great for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and specimen plantings
Striking golden foliage provides season-long interest
Compact and low-maintenance—perfect for small gardens
Deer-resistant and adaptable to various soil types
Attracts butterflies and pollinators

Additional Notes:

• Lemony Lace® Elderberry is one of the best ornamental elderberries, offering a unique texture and bright color without aggressive spreading.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in rock gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, or as a focal shrub.