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SAMBUCUS nigra
Commonly known as Black elder, Common elder, Pipe tree
Cream coloured fragrant flowers and black fruits
Further Reading....
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Deciduousleaves to 25cm (10in) long, each having 5 toothed, mid-green leaflets.
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White -
Height6m (20ft) -
Spread6m (20ft)
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Tall ShrubUpright, bushy shrub with stout shoots. Produces flowers in flattened panicles to 20cm (8in) across followed by spherical, glossy, black fruit.
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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) -
Full sun -
Partial shade
SAMBUCUS nigra
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Additional Features
Good to knowUK native. Wildlife plant - insects, birds.
Pests & DiseasesBlack fly infest the young shoots and foliage.
Place of originEurope, north Africa, south-west Asia. -
Garden Location/ConditionsBorderSuitable for a large shrub borderCoastal / windsweptCottage gardenWoodland garden
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf form
Pinnate(see photos above) -
Leaf margin
Serrate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shape
Ovate
(see photos above) -
Pruning group
Pruning group 1Suitable 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.
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Scented PlantsScented flowersMusk-scented.
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Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Toxic - Category C
Harmful if eatenPeople & pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits rodents, notably cats, dogs. Fruit and flowers edible if cooked -
Wildlife
Bee friendly
Bird friendlyButterfly friendlyRabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Aug
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Sambucus - Growing Guide
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6m (20ft)
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6m (20ft) |
Buy Varieties of SAMBUCUS nigra
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'
Golden elder
golden-yellow leaves
Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each
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
Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'
Common elder
dramatic dark purple, nearly-black foliage and dissected leaves like a Japanese maple.
Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'
Common elder
deeply cut bright golden leaves. Upright and narrow habit
Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'
Purple-leaved elder
deep blackish purple leaves turning red in autumn, pink-tinged flowers
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)
3 options from £3.00
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 £10.00
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 £10.00
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