SAMBUCUS nigra

Commonly known as Black elder, Common elder, Pipe tree

Cream coloured fragrant flowers and black fruits
Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
    leaves to 25cm (10in) long, each having 5 toothed, mid-green leaflets.
  • White
  • Height
    6m (20ft)
  • Spread
    6m (20ft)
  • Tall Shrub
    Upright, bushy shrub with stout shoots. Produces flowers in flattened panicles to 20cm (8in) across followed by spherical, glossy, black fruit.
  • Hardy - very cold winter
    Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade

SAMBUCUS nigra

 
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individually £11.00 each , 10+ £10.00 each 

 

  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    UK native. Wildlife plant - insects, birds.
    Pests & Diseases
    Black fly infest the young shoots and foliage.
    Place of origin
    Europe, north Africa, south-west Asia.
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suitable for a large shrub border
    Coastal / windswept
    Cottage garden
    Woodland garden
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf form
    Pinnate
    (see photos above)
  • Leaf margin
    Serrate
    (see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Ovate
    (see photos above)
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 1
    Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
    When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

  • Scented Plants
    Scented flowers
    Musk-scented.
  • Seasonal Interest
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Moderately fertile
  • Toxic - Category C
    Harmful if eaten
    People & pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits rodents, notably cats, dogs. Fruit and flowers edible if cooked
  • Wildlife
    Bee friendly
    Bird friendly
    Butterfly friendly
    Rabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sambucus - Growing Guide
6m (20ft)
Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  6m (20ft)
 

Buy Varieties of SAMBUCUS nigra

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'

Golden elder

golden-yellow leaves

 
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SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'

Common elder

dramatic dark purple foliage which appears almost black from a distance. Creamy pink buds and flowers are followed by blackish red berries

 
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SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'

Common elder

dramatic dark purple, nearly-black foliage and dissected leaves like a Japanese maple.

 
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Also Large
£75.00 each 
Notify me when this plant is available to order
Estimated availability autumn 2024 Any time SEPT-DEC - Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'

Common elder

deeply cut bright golden leaves. Upright and narrow habit

 
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SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'

Purple-leaved elder

deep blackish purple leaves turning red in autumn, pink-tinged flowers

 
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