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SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'
Commonly known as Common elder
Dramatic dark purple foliage which appears almost black from a distance. Creamy pink buds and flowers are followed by blackish red berries
Further Reading....
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DeciduousLeaves to 25cm (10in) long, each having 5 toothed leaflets.
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Shades of pinkAll shades of pink through to Carmine (red)Creamy pink
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Height3m (10ft)
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Spread3m (10ft)
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Tall ShrubProduces flat clusters of flowers to 15cm (6in) across.
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Hardy - very cold winterHardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowSyn. f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda'. Cut back to ground level in early spring and apply thick mulch of compost or manure to acheive best colour. Wildlife plant - insects, birds.Pests & DiseasesBlack fly infest young shoots and foliage, Verticillium wilt.Place of originUK. Developed at Hort. Research International, East Malling.
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windswept
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf formPinnate
(see photos above) -
Leaf marginSerrate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 4Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
When: Annually in early Spring.
RHS group 5, 6 & 7 -
Scented PlantsScented flowersCitrus-scented.
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Seasonal InterestSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets) fruit/flowers safe for people if cooked
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WildlifeBee friendlyBird friendlyButterfly friendlyRabbit Resistant
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Sambucus - Growing Guide
3m (10ft)
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3m (10ft) |

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'
Common elder
Available from £15.00

SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'
Golden elder, Red-berried elder
Available from £15.00

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'
Purple-leaved elder
Available from £15.00

BUDDLEJA davidii 'Royal Red'
Butterfly bush, Buddleia
Available from £14.50
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20