The Golden Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa ‘Plumosa Aurea’) is a striking deciduous shrub that adds both ornamental beauty and ecological value to UK gardens. It grows to a height of around 2-3 meters, forming a dense, upright habit with golden-yellow foliage that turns greenish-yellow in summer and takes on orange and red hues in autumn. This vibrant foliage provides year-round interest, making it suitable as a focal point or for hedging in gardens.

Best planted in full sun to partial shade, the Golden Elderberry thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It produces fragrant clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, which later develop into dark red berries that attract birds and wildlife. These flowers are valuable nectar sources for bees and other pollinators, contributing to the garden’s biodiversity.

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the shrub as desired. The Golden Elderberry benefits from a feeding of balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.

By planting the Golden Elderberry, you not only enhance your garden with its colorful foliage and seasonal blooms but also provide essential food and habitat for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations and fostering a thriving ecosystem in your outdoor space.