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Sambucus nigra Linearis - Black Elder

Sambucus nigra Linearis
European Elder, Black Elder, Elder, Elderberry, European Elderberry, European black Elderberry

4,0/5
3 reviews
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3 reviews
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Bush of excellent quality, well packaged, no broken branches despite its transport fragility. Well planted. I am eagerly awaiting its growth. Thank you.

Fabienne , 19/03/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Beautiful deciduous and compact bush with unique foliage, very finely cut, almost frayed. Beautiful summer flowering in large umbels of cream-white, followed by edible black berries. A small and original elderberry, very striking, to showcase in a flowerbed or a large pot on the terrace or balcony.
Flower size
12 cm
Height at maturity
1.70 m
Spread at maturity
1.70 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Sambucus nigra Linearis, also known as Sambucus nigra Heterophylla, is a particularly striking and original form of black elderberry. This very beautiful deciduous bush, with a compact habit, develops unique foliage so finely cut that it almost appears frayed. In June its green and laciniate leaves come alive with honey-scented blooms in large cream-white umbels, much visited by butterflies and bees. They are followed by almost black berries, delicious in pies or jams. This small hardy elderberry, as elegant as a Japanese maple, accepts all types of soil very well. It will stand out in a border or reign supreme in a large pot on the terrace or balcony.

Sambucus nigra Linearis belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, like honeysuckles. It comes from Sambucus nigra, a wild species widespread in Europe, North Africa, and as far as Asia Minor. It is a bush with a graceful, spreading, and rounded habit, supported by arching branches, not exceeding 1.50 m (5ft) to 2 m (7ft) in all directions. Its rapid growth allows it to mature in 7 years. Its foliage is its first asset; its leaves are cut into many very thin leaflets, almost reduced to veins, twisted, of light green and matte color. Some leaflets are wider. Flowering usually occurs in June (or a little earlier depending on the climate), in the form of large false umbels, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) wide. The small white and fragrant flowers, with 5 petals, are carried on reddish petioles. The edible and tasty fruits are black to purplish berries with soft flesh, measuring 6 to 8 mm (1in) in diameter.

The Linearis elderberry is unquestionably elegant with its finely cut foliage in the manner of Japanese maples, and its very compact habit. Like all elderberries, it is hardy and easy to grow in ordinary soil that is not too dry, with no specific requirements regarding soil type. Plant e.g. in the foreground of a shrub border, or near an entrance, under a window, or at the bend of a path. You can also keep it in a large pot or container for many years. It combines well with goldenrods (Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', Solidago 'Goldenmosa', Solidago shortii), burnet roses, or viburnum sapwood.

In the kitchen: the flowers can be prepared in fritters or syrup by macerating them in sugar. The buds, preserved in vinegar, are used to enhance salads, and the berries are consumed as juice, jellies or jams, or in wine. They pleasantly flavour apple cakes. Only the flowers and berries without their stalks are edible, the rest of the plant can be toxic.

In the garden: Elder leaves are known to accelerate compost decomposition. A black elder leaf infusion proves useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid or rodent attacks: macerate 1 kg of leaves for a few days in 10 L of water, and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts insect-predatory birds.

Sambucus nigra Linearis - Black Elder in pictures

Sambucus nigra Linearis - Black Elder (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.70 m
Spread at maturity 1.70 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 12 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Sambucus

Species

nigra

Cultivar

Linearis

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Other common names

European Elder, Black Elder, Elder, Elderberry, European Elderberry, European black Elderberry

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference813051

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Planting and care

Easy to grow, the Linearis elderberry can be planted in spring or autumn in any ordinary, not too poor soil, deep enough and not too dry. It requires little maintenance. Plant in full sun or partial shade. It is undemanding about soil type, with the ideal planting mixture being half compost/half garden soil. It is very hardy. To promote flowering, prune the old branches back hard to rejuvenate them and cut back the young branches by a third, in late winter.

 

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, Ordinary soil.

Care

Pruning instructions To promote flowering, prune the old branches back hard to rejuvenate them and cut back the young branches by a third, in late winter.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time February to March
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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