- USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7
- Height 6-8 Feet Tall
- Spread 6-8 Feet Wide
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 |
- SKU:
- SAMIK
Container Sizes
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.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.