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
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7 |
| Flower Color(s): Lacy White Flowers |
| Bloom Period: Early Summer |
| Foliage Color(s): Green & White Variegated |
| Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
| Height: 6-8 Feet |
| Spread: 6-8 Feet |
| Spacing: 6-8 Feet Center on Center |
| Habit: Mounded |
| Blooms On: Old Wood |
| Watering: Average |
| Shrub Type: Deciduous |
| Scientific Name: Instant Karma® Sambucus nigra 'Sanivalk' USPP 28,314 |
| Common Name: Instant Karma Elderberry |
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
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 31th |
| Zone 9 | March 31st |
| Zone 8 | April 7th |
| Zone 7 | April 14th |
| Zone 6b | April 21st |
| Zone 6a | April 28th |
| Zone 5b | May 5th |
| Zone 5a | May 12th |
| Zone 4 | May 19th |
| Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
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: Idaho, 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.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!