Sutherland Gold Elderberry
Sutherland Gold Elderberry
Lacy Golden Cutleaf Foliage That Lights Up the Border
Sutherland Gold Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold') is grown for its spectacular, finely cut, lacy golden foliage that glows from spring to fall on an upright shrub. Creamy-white spring flower clusters feed pollinators and give way to red berries for the birds. Tough, fast-growing, and deer-resistant, it makes a brilliant foliage accent or backdrop for borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Sutherland Gold Elderberry Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold' |
| Mature Size | 6–8 ft. tall, 6–8 ft. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best gold color in sun, with afternoon shade in hot spots) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring (white flowers), red berries summer |
| Flower Color | Creamy white, over golden lacy foliage |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates clay and moist soil; prefers rich, moist ground |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -40°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer |
| Foliage | Finely cut, lacy, golden |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Golden foliage accent: Its lacy gold leaves make a striking specimen or bright backdrop in the border. Space 6–8 feet apart.
Pollinator and wildlife gardens: Spring flowers feed pollinators and red berries feed birds. Pair with dark-foliage shrubs and native perennials.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist soil. Water through establishment.
How to Plant Sutherland Gold Elderberry
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 6–8 feet apart. Afternoon shade in the hottest sites helps prevent leaf scorch.
Watering Sutherland Gold Elderberry
First year: Water deeply every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers consistent moisture; water during dry spells. It dislikes prolonged drought.
Q: Will the gold foliage scorch?
It colors best in sun but can scorch in hot, dry spots — give it afternoon shade and steady moisture in the warmest sites.
Q: Are the berries edible?
Red elderberries are mainly for the birds and should not be eaten raw by people. Enjoy them as ornamental, wildlife-supporting fruit.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3 and beyond.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer rarely browse elderberry.
You May Also Like
Black Lace Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): A dark-leaved cutleaf elderberry for contrast.
Glow Girl Spirea (Spiraea): Another bright gold-foliage shrub.
Ninebark (Physocarpus): A native shrub with colorful foliage options.