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Shirleyp · 06-09-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet Baraclough

The message
from Shirleyp contains these words:

I want to put a Sambucus Black Lace behind a seat, we had a small
"Frisia" tree there but it became deseased.

We like the Black Lace but would we be able to train this into a small
tree. on a shed beside where we want it we have a Clotted Cream Jasmin
and I think the contrasting colour of the Black lace would look lovely,
but my husband is a bit unsure as to how much we would be able to
manipulate the Sambucus.

I love that plant . If you mean to make a tree with a single bare
trunk; I doubt you will succeed.
It is extremely energetic, and in my garden (rich soil) will throw up
multiple 6 to 8ft stems from ground level in a single season.
The more you hack it back the faster it retaliates. So it makes a
good screen if that would fit behind your seat.
I cut mine down hard every autumn to a framework about 2 ft tall. Easy
to propagate from cuttings stuck in the ground and they always sell
out at plant sales.

I am growing jasmine Clotted Cream too, but as a freestanding
"shrub" rather then climbing; ; takes a fair amount of pruning to keep
the shape but flowers well.

Janet.

Thank-you Janet for the info on the Sambucus, I think we will have to think again on this one, I really like the Sambucus but I do think it will be too big for the Position we want it in.

Shirley