Black Beauty Elderberry
Sambucus nigra 'Gerda'
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
Plant Description: Medium to large deciduous shrub with purple leaves. A cultivar of the European Elderberry. Pinkish-white flowers appear in early summer turning to black fruit. Flowers are lemon scented. Berries are edible and very attractive to wildlife. Have been used to make jams, jellies, and wine. Fruit is not considered as useful as that of the American Elderberry. Leaves and stems are considered mildly toxic.
Maintenance:
Maintenance Type: Shrub - Renewal
Plant Care: Shrub - Renewal (woody multi-stemmed plants that lose their leaves every winter and look best on younger stems, which emerge from the base of the plant): Prune regularly to promote health, provide air circulation, maintain a desirable shape, and to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most shrubs. With spring blooming shrubs, prune after the blooms are spent. When pruning, remove 1/3rd of the oldest branches by cutting at the base of the shrub. Monitor for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis.
Plant Attributes:
Mature Size: 8-15' tall x 4-8' wide
Utah Native: No
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Foundation Plant, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Purple
Bloom Colors: Pink, White
Bloom Seasons: Summer
Bloom Period: Jun - Jul
Growing Conditions:
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)
Irrigation Requirement: 
Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Deer Resistant: Yes
Garden Location:
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Design Path
- Design Ideas-West
- Survey First
- Winter Interest
Garden Staff Tips & Insights:
This plant looks better if cut back to 12" to 18" in the spring.
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Spring -
Summer -
Fall -
Winter
