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Sambuccus Sutherland gold

B3B3 Posts: 27,505

Some branches on my sambuccus haven't got dissected leaves at all and some are partially dissected. They look a bit like elderflower leaves.

Is this reversion? If so, should I remove the branches?

It wouldn't look too good if I did. 

The plant is about four years old and planted in the ground.

In London. Keen but lazy.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    It is a form of elder so, if the leaves are losing their dissection and golden colour I would remove them and then feed it to help it recover and produce the foliage you want.

    I treated myself to a small one of these at a recent plant fair and now find it has been "pruned" by strong winds leaving just one stem intact.  Fingers crossed it recovers with a bit of TLC.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    I'll have another look and see what I'll be left with.

    I hope Yours recovers. It's a lovely tree.

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    I've never heard of reversion on a sambucus. I've got the gold, and black lace and in 15+yrs never seen any reversion on either.
    Do you have a photo?


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Sutherland's Gold is a form of the species Sambucus racemosa. The species has green leaves and is not lacy so I suppose the original genes are all in there ready to be used.

    It sounds as though it has reverted whether it should or not. Or is it grafted and the rootstock has taken over. 

    This is a different species to Black Lace and all the rest, Sambucus nigra



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    Here are some pictures.  I've already disposed of the worst offenders.

    image

    image

    image

    The pictures look a bit greener than reality.

    Whatever the verdict, I think I'll probably leave it now..

    If I do trim any more, can I just remove the green shoot as you would on a variegated evergreen or would I need to go back to the wood?

    In London. Keen but lazy.
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