Sambucus × strumpfii Serenade ('Jonade')

RHS Plant Profile
elder [Serenade]

Synonyms

Sambucus × strumpfii 'Jonade'
Sambucus 'Serenade'
Sambucus nigra 'Serenade'
Sambucus nigra Serenade

Shrubs

An upright, bushy, deciduous shrub or small tree with divided, pinnate leaves, flushed red in spring, becoming green in summer and turning red in autumn. Frothy panicles of tiny, scented, white flowers in summer are followed by round, glossy, black fruit.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Sambucus can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with pinnate leaves and umbels or panicles of small creamy-white flowers followed by red, white or black berries
Name Status
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Thrives on very chalky soil

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Pruning group 1, or suitable for coppicing every three to four years to restrict size and improve foliage display

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus