The Lemony Lace Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’) is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant, finely dissected, golden-yellow foliage, which gives it a delicate, lacy texture. The leaves emerge with a reddish tint in spring, transitioning to a bright lemon-lime color that holds well through the season. This cultivar offers a unique visual appeal, providing a strong color contrast in the landscape while maintaining an easy-going nature that makes it a popular choice for low-maintenance gardening.
Site Selection and Initial Planting
Selecting the proper planting site is the foundation for establishing a healthy Lemony Lace Elderberry. The plant achieves its brightest golden leaf color when exposed to full sun, particularly in cooler climates (USDA Zones 3 to 7). In regions with intense summer heat, the shrub benefits from partial shade, specifically protection from the harshest afternoon sun, to prevent scorching of the delicate foliage.
This elderberry performs best when planted in soil that is moist, moderately fertile, and well-drained. It tolerates a range of soil types, but it does not tolerate standing water, which can lead to root issues. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill the hole with the native soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Watering and Nutritional Needs
Consistent moisture is important for the Lemony Lace Elderberry, especially during its first year of establishment and in periods of drought. Young plants should receive deep watering once or twice a week to encourage the development of a robust root system. Once established, the shrub is somewhat tolerant of dry spells but will maintain a fuller, healthier appearance with regular moisture, requiring weekly watering during dry conditions.
The elderberry is not a heavy feeder, so excessive fertilization is unnecessary and can lead to weak growth. If the soil lacks organic matter or the plant’s growth appears sluggish, a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, can be applied in early spring before new growth begins. Alternatively, incorporating well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant provides a gentle, organic nutrient boost.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Pruning is the most effective way to maintain the Lemony Lace Elderberry’s compact, mounding shape and encourage its best foliage color. Since this shrub blooms on old wood, the best time for significant structural pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This timing will reduce or eliminate the white flower clusters for that season. For gardeners prioritizing the vibrant foliage over flowers and the resulting red berries, this timing is preferred.
A common pruning technique is renewal pruning, which involves removing about one-third of the oldest, thickest canes right down to the ground each year. This systematic removal encourages the growth of fresh, brightly colored new stems from the base, preventing the plant from becoming leggy over time. Alternatively, the entire shrub can be cut back hard, down to about 12 inches from the ground every few years, to completely rejuvenate the plant and ensure the most intense foliage color.
Light shaping and the removal of dead or damaged wood can be done at any time. If the focus is on preserving the spring flowers, then any necessary pruning for shape should be done immediately after the blooms fade in late spring. This cultivar is known to occasionally produce suckers, which are new shoots that emerge from the roots away from the main plant, and these should be clipped at the soil line unless a naturalized spread is desired.
Managing Common Pests and Winter Protection
The Lemony Lace Elderberry can occasionally be affected by common garden pests like aphids and spider mites. Aphids tend to congregate on tender new growth, causing leaf curling and leaving behind a sticky residue called honeydew. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and cause stippling or bronzing of the leaves.
Management for minor infestations often involves spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests or using an insecticidal soap for more persistent issues. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can also occur, appearing as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, and are best prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
As a deciduous shrub, the elderberry is highly winter-hardy, thriving in climates as cold as USDA Zone 3. Special winter protection is typically unnecessary due to its cold tolerance. However, applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant helps insulate the root zone and conserve soil moisture during the colder months. Ensuring the plant is well-watered before the ground freezes is also beneficial, as this prevents winter desiccation, where moisture loss from the leaves exceeds the roots’ ability to absorb water from frozen soil.