Black Elder (syn. Black Beauty)

Sambucus nigra Gerda

• 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: purple black autumn fruits are attractive to birds
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This fantastic new variety of elder has intense, black burgundy foliage and sweet, lemon scented, pale pink flowers in early summer, opening from dark red buds. Darker than other varieties it makes an excellent ornamental plant for a site in sun or partial shade. As an added bonus the purple black autumn fruits are highly attractive to songbirds.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Goes well with: Salix alba var vitellina, Trollius europaeus, Primula florindae, Carex elata 'Aurea', Juncus effusus f. 'Spiralis', Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans

  < Previous Plant Next Plant >