Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Growing Instant Karma Elderberry (Sambucus nigra 'Sanivalk') is an easy and attractive way to produce clusters of bluish black berries. The berries pack plenty of flavor in jams or jellies and the shrub packs plenty of desired qualities into 6 to 8 feet. Instant Karma has gorgeous green and white variegated foliage and fragrant lacy white flowers. It's also deer resistant and drought tolerant.
Elderberries are native to the United States and Europe and are easy to grow in zones 4 through 7; they do not fare well in hot climates. Fragrant white flowers appear in spring through summer, attracting bees. Its fragrance, size (up to 8 feet wide and high) and pretty palette make Instant Karma Elderberry an excellent screen or hedge choice in your landscape. They are especially desirable planted along a sidewalk, path or driveway so you and others can enjoy the aromatic blossoms and the summer fruit.
Instant Karma Elderberry Care
Instant Karma Elderberry can grow in nearly any soil type and in partial to full sun. Water regularly in the first year or two and when flowering and fruiting. To produce edible berries, you will need to plant another elderberry of the same species (Black Lace, Black Beauty or Laced Up) nearby. Let your elderberry grow wild for at least one season, longer for a natural appearance. You might need to protect the berries from birds as they ripen, which takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
Instant Karma Elderberry Spacing
If planting Instant Karma Elderberry as a border plant, be sure to space the plants 6 to 8 feet apart. And if making it a spring feature in a garden bed, consider the mature size of the shrub to avoid blocking or crowding it.
Interesting Fact(s) - In Europe, they dip freshly opened elderberry flower clusters into batter, deep fry them, and dust them with powdered sugar for a late spring treat. These can also made into a liqueur for alcoholic drinks.
Instant Karma® Elderberry Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 7 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-8 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 6-8 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- Lacy White Flowers
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green, White
- Foliage Description
- Green & White Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous, Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Instant Karma Elderberry
- Botanical Name
- Instant Karma Sambucus nigra 'Sanivalk' USPP 28,314
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Deciduous
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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