Red Elderberry Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'

Water

The Sutherland Gold Elderberry prefers consistently moist soil, so water it deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering, adjusting for rainfall. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface. It's best to water in the morning to allow moisture to evaporate from the leaves and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Establish a regular watering schedule and monitor the plant's response, cutting back during the rainy season to prevent waterlogging.

Light

The Sutherland Gold Elderberry thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and foliage color. Areas with dappled afternoon shade can be beneficial in regions with very hot summers, preventing the leaves from scorching.

Temperature

The Sutherland Gold Elderberry can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F and summer temperatures over 100°F. However, its ideal growing temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. Avoid placing it in areas where temperatures dip below its cold-hardiness zone to prevent frost damage.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for the Sutherland Gold Elderberry to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Annually removing about a third of the oldest stems at ground level can rejuvenate the plant. The best time for more formative pruning to shape the shrub is after it has finished flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix consisting of loamy garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite to enhance drainage should support healthy growth. Regular mulching can also benefit soil moisture and texture.

Repotting

Elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is commonly grown outdoors and develops a large root system. If grown in containers, young plants may need repotting every couple of years, but mature plants can go longer unless they show signs of being root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers conditions similar to its native environment, which is typically moderate to high humidity. It grows best outdoors where the natural humidity supports its needs.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and ample space for growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, mulch well, and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Sutherland Gold' Elderberry, a cultivar of Sambucus racemosa, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in moist soil in spring, after which a seedling emerges. As a fast-growing plant, it quickly develops into a young shrub with compound, feather-like golden leaves and begins to establish a root system. During its vegetative stage, it grows vigorously through the spring and summer, with ample sunlight and water promoting strong stem and leaf growth. By its second or third year, the Sutherland Gold Elderberry reaches maturity and begins to flower, producing clusters of white-to-cream flowers that are attractive to pollinators and eventually give way to red berry clusters in late summer to fall. After fruiting, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, losing its leaves and conserving energy. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the cycle repeats, with new growth resuming and the plant continuing to mature and propagate either by seed dispersal or vegetative cuttings taken by gardeners.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• For the Sutherland Gold Elderberry, which is a cultivated variety of Sambucus racemosa, the most popular method of propagation is softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring or early summer, when the plant’s new growth is just beginning to mature and harden slightly. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants, selecting stems that are about pencil thickness and 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 cm). The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cuttings is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Cuttings are then placed in a well-draining potting mix or a propagation tray, and kept in a humid environment with plenty of indirect light until roots have formed, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and finally transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.