Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva' (PBR)

black elder (syn. Black Lace)

3 litre pot £12.99 £11.99 Buy
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Never under estimate the power of foliage and the lacy black leaves on this shrub would shine out close to the silver-green foliage of buddlejas or phlomis

Val Bourne - Garden Writer

1 year guarantee

  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
  • Rate of Growth: average
  • Flowering period: June
  • Flowers: pale pink
  • Other features: almost black, dissected leaves and blackish red berries in autumn
  • Hardiness: fully hardy

    This recent introduction has almost black, dissected foliage and from May to June pale pink, musk-scented blooms emerge from beautiful creamy-pink buds. It makes an excellent shrub for all styles of gardens and has the added bonus of having blackish-red berries in autumn which are attractive to birds and when ripe can be used to make a wonderful wine. For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze.

  • Garden care: To achieve the best foliage effect cut back to ground level each year in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.

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3 Questions | 4 Answers
Displaying questions 1-3

  • Q:

    Gardeners World magazine has a Sambucus nigra Porphyrophylla 'Eva' growing in a container. Will this keep the plant small or still grow to 3m x 2m. Is there a small version available for containers?
    Asked on 2/24/2013 by snail from Northamptonshire

    1 answer

    • Plant Doctor

      A:

      Hello
      Sambucus nigra Eva can be grown in a pot and like you say this will restrict its growth so it will not reach the full 3m x 2m. If grown in a pot I would recommend each spring replacing the top layer of compost. Water regularly during the growing season so it does not dry out and feed with a balanced feed throughout the growing season. The size can also be limited by pruning.

      Answered on 2/26/2013 by Anonymous

  • Q:

    Plants for boggy area?

    Dear Crocus I have an area in my woodland that is really, really, boggy, can you advice on what plants would be suitable. Many thanks. Emma
    Asked on 4/13/2010 by emma freeman

    2 answers

    • A:

      Dear Helen Many thanks for list of plants I have ordered several of them. Regards

      Answered on 4/13/2010 by Crocus Helpdesk

    • A:

      Hello Emma, There are a few plants that will thrive in boggy soil - here are some of the best:- Gunnera manicata http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/perennials/gunnera-manicata-/classid.2880/ Osmunda regalis http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/ferns/classid.1834/ Carex elata Aurea http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/grasses/carex-elata-aurea/classid.77799/ Ligularia http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.ligularia/ Astilbe Fanal http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/perennials/astilbe-fanal-%C3%97-arendsii/classid.2579/ Zantedeschia http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.zantedeschia/ Sambucus http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.sambucus/ Rodgersia http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.rodgersia/ Hostas http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.hosta/ I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

      Answered on 4/14/2010 by emma freeman

  • Q:

    Sambucus nigra pruning,- will it effect the flowers?

    Hello Crocus team, I have a question about Sambucus nigra. I notice that you recommend cutting it to ground level in the Spring for the best foliage effect. If this is done, does it still flower? Many thanks. Anne
    Asked on 8/31/2009 by Anne Brambleby

    1 answer

    • A:

      Hello Ann, This hard pruning is used if you want your Sambucus to have better foliage, but it is done at the expense of the flowers. You may get some, but you will get more if it is left un-pruned. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

      Answered on 9/1/2009 by Crocus Helpdesk
Displaying questions 1-3

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