Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ pp12305

Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra 'Gerda'

Also Known As

Sambucus 'Black Beauty'
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'
Black Beauty™ Elderberry

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 10'-15'
W: 6'-12'

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ pp12305 plant details

Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ pp12305 is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with black foliage. In spring and summer pink and white flowers emerge followed by black and purple fruit. Attracts birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ pp12305

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: adoxaceae
Foliage: deciduous black
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 10 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: lemon-scented, naturalizing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ pp12305

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The shrub was first a sensation in Europe, an elegant 8-15' shrub which combines amazingly deep purple-black foliage (which it maintains over much of the season) with fantastic dark-purple young stems and loads of lemon-scented rich pink flowers in early summer which are followed by juicy purple-black berries; makes a fine accent. S-PSh/M PP12305

By: Forestfarm

Set apart by its intense purple-black leaves, this Sambucus comes to us from a special breeding program in Kent, England. The passionate hue of the foliage remains all season, darkening as autumn approaches. Superbly displayed against the dramatic leaves, unique, deep pink, lemon-scented umbels develop to almost 10 in. across. Partner this thoroughbred with the golden foliage of Spiraea 'Ogon' or let her stand as an alluring backdrop for the silvery inflorescences of the late blooming grasses. Minimal pruning will easily maintain 'Black Beauty's smaller silhouette for gardens short on space. (PP#12,305)

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Beautiful intense, purple-black foliage that holds its gorgeous hue all season and even darkens in Autumn. From a breeding program in Kent, England. The dramatic dark foliage provides a back drop for deep pink, lemon scented blooms that can reach 10" across. Stunning with gold foliaged plants or grasses. Great Plant Picks - Miller Botanical Garden. PP12305

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

This 8', dense shrub has purple foliage all summer and delicate pink fragrant panicles in early summer. Zone 4.

By: Whitman Farms

This ornamental elderberry has superb dark foliage, much darker and more intense purple-black than any other variety. Contrasting pink flowers which have a sweet, lemony fragrance are followed by dark purple fruit in the fall. Grows to 10' but can be pruned to stay smaller.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

The leaves appear in spring and are a nice purple. As the summer goes on the large foliage turns almost black. We have seen a 10' plant in Portland that is really beautiful with its dark foliage and light pink flowers. Would be great with pink and white flowers.