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  • SAMBUCUS nigra
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    SAMBUCUS nigra  SAMBUCUS nigra  SAMBUCUS nigra  SAMBUCUS nigra  SAMBUCUS nigra
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    SAMBUCUS nigra

    Commonly known as Black elder, Common elder, Pipe tree

    Cream coloured fragrant flowers and black fruits
     
    Plant Details
    • Flowering
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      Jan
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      Feb
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      Mar
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      Apr
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      May
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    • 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.
    • Deciduous
      leaves to 25cm (10in) long, each having 5 toothed, mid-green leaflets.
    • White
    • Fully hardy
    • Pinnate
    • Serrate
    • Ovate
    • 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)
    • Scented flowers
      Musk-scented.
    • Summer Seasonal Interest
    • harmful if eaten
      People & pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits rodents, notably cats, dogs. Fruit and flowers edible if cooked
    • Bee friendly
    • Bird friendly
    • Butterfly friendly
    • Rabbit Resistant
    • Mature Size
      6m (20ft)
      Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
        6m (20ft)
       
    Planting Tips and Care Advice
    • Garden Location/Conditions
      Border
      Suitable for a large shrub border
      Coastal / windswept
      Cottage garden
      Woodland garden
    • 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.

    • Soil Conditions
      Fertile moist well-drained soil
      Moderately fertile
    • Sun Requirements
      Full sun
      Partial shade
    Customers Also Bought
    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'

    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'

    Common elder
    Available from £16.50
    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'

    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'

    Purple-leaved elder
    Available from £16.50
    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'

    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'

    Common elder
    Available from £16.50
    SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'

    SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'

    Golden elder, Red-berried elder
    Available from £16.50

    Varieties

    SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'
    Golden elder
    Golden-yellow leaves
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £16.50

    Useful extras...

    Garden Goodies
    Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots. Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
    Tie in slate labels (5pack)
    £10.00
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet - inc c&p
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet - inc c&p
    £12.00
    Garden Goodies
    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.
    Stick in Slate labels (6 pack)
    £10.00
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