Eventual height & spread
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (PBR)
black elder (syn. Sambucus Black Beauty)
- 2 litre pot
- £22.99
- available to order from late spring
- 12 litre pot | 1.2 - 1.5m tall
- £164.99
- available to order from late spring
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This fantastic variety of elder has intense, black-burgundy foliage and sweet, lemon-scented, pale pink flowers in early summer, opening from dark red buds. Darker than other varieties, it makes an excellent ornamental plant for a site in sun or partial shade. As an added bonus the purple-black autumn fruits are highly attractive to songbirds. For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze. - Garden care: To achieve the best foliage effect cut back to ground level each year in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; fruit/flowers edible if cooked
