The Lemon Lace Elderberry is a visually striking deciduous shrub prized for its finely dissected, fern-like foliage that emerges a vibrant chartreuse yellow in spring and holds its color throughout the growing season. The foliage has a delicate, lacy texture that gives the shrub a graceful, airy appearance, while the lemon-lime coloring brings a bright pop to the landscape. In early spring, the shrub produces clusters of tiny white flowers, which are sometimes followed by small red berries in late summer. These berries can be attractive to birds, though they are not as commonly used in culinary applications as those from black elderberry varieties. Lemon Lace has a dense, mounded growth habit and makes an excellent specimen plant or a colorful addition to borders and foundation plantings.
- Size: Height: 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 meters). Spread: 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 meters). Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Light: Prefers full sun to part shade (best foliage color in full sun).
- Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils; tolerates both moist and dry conditions once established.
- Water: Moderate; water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then drought-tolerant.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth; can be cut back hard if needed.
- Fertilizer: Not typically required; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–7
- Pests/Disease: Generally pest-resistant and deer-resistant; watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.