Black Elderberry - Sambucus nigra Black Beauty

Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' (Gerda) is a beautiful bush with extraordinary flowers.

'Black Beauty' has upright branches and can reach a height of 1.50 to 2.50 m (4.9 to 8.2 ft) with a spread of 1 m to 2 m ( (3.3 to 6.6 ft). Flowering occurs in May-June in the form of lemon scented umbels of pink and then white flowers. The foliage remains purple throughout the season, contrasting with the light flowers. In summer, the elder produces dark purple berries, which are appreciated by birds.

Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' is hardy and not demanding in terms of soil type, preferring a sunny exposure. It can be planted in borders or free hedges, in association with evergreens.

The elder should be pruned short in early spring to allow for the renewal of branches, but keeping a minimum of old branches as the flowering will occur on the unpruned branches.

You can also consider the black lace sambucus, with finely cut, decorative foliage.

Our advice: Pair it with foxgloves.