Instant Karma® Elderberry

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 7

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.