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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
Plant Details
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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Good to knowSyn. f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda'. Cut back to ground level in early spring and apply thick mulch of compost or manure to achieve best colour. Wildlife plant - insects, birds.
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Pests & DiseasesBlack fly infest young shoots and foliage, Verticillium wilt.
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Place of originUK. Developed at Hort. Research International, East Malling.
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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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Fully hardy
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Pinnate
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Serrate
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Ovate
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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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Scented flowersCitrus-scented.
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Spring Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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harmful if eatenPeople and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, notably cats, dogs. Fruit/flowers edible if cooked
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Bee friendly
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Bird friendly
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Butterfly friendly
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Rabbit Resistant
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Mature Size3m (10ft)
3m (10ft)
Planting Tips and Care Advice
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Garden Location/Conditions
BorderSuitable for a large shrub borderCoastal / windsweptCottage gardenSuitable for small gardensTown garden
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Pruning group
Pruning 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.
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Soil Conditions
Fertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Sun Requirements
Full sunPartial shade
Sambucus - Growing Guide
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