We planted this Somewhat-Japanese-Maple-Looking shrub in 2008, but have lost its credentials. The first year it kept its 3' size. This year it sprouted an 8' stalk with leaves 2 to 3 times the size of the originals. Any ideas what it is, and should we prune it?[View:http://community.birdsandblooms.com/themes/birdsandblooms/utility/:550:0]
I don't know what you have there... but it does sound like it was a plant that was grafted for whatever the desirable characters were. (The small size/colour etc)
I hope someone will be able to help you, but I was always told for things that have been grafted (ie: apple trees for example, or even some rose bushes) you should cut anything off that is decidedly different than the original host plant. Otherwise the grafted plant may take over and kill it.
** My post has likely been edited 5 or 6 times for spelling or grammar, and is quite likely still incorrect.
RB Can you take a pic from a little further back so we can get an idea of the overall appearance. It's hard to tell from just the leaves.
RB Can you take a pic from a little further back so we can get an idea of the overall appearance. It's hard to tell from just the leaves. Ihave no idea why this post keeps re-appearing. This morning it was here twice & now its three! Can't get rid of the extras. Sorry
Thank you all for your replies: a few observations - this plant has not been grafted, the new shoot, the big one, grew from. the base. I should have mentioned that it hosts small clusters of very small, pink, flowers in the spring. I'll add a stand-off photo when the weather clears.
RBStuart
Hi Stuart,
The plant to me looks like Sambucus nigra or Sambucus Black Lace which is a selection of sambucus nigra. A common name for this is elder. It would have clusters of pink flowers in the late spring or early summer. In the Nebraska where I live you need to cut them back to the ground in the winter so you have a bushier plant the next spring.
Snowwolf57 in Nebraska
MYSTERY SOLVED!
Many thanks Snowwolf57 - That's it, exactly: Black Lace Elderberry - checking various sources online, the pictures are an exact match. Now, what to do? Should I cut (prune) it back now, or wait until Spring? The 8' stalk bends under its own weight.
does it go dormant where you live. I live in Zone 4 and I cut my back to a foot tall in late november. One year I didn't and I had some winter interest for the months of November and December. Depends what look you want.
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