Return to Plant Finder Not Available

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

BLACK BEAUTY®

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

'Gerda'

USPP 12,305

Swipe to View More
Black Beauty Sambucus blooming in the landscape Black Beauty Sambucus in landscape Close up of pink and white Black Beauty Sambucus
  • Unique foliage
  • Fragrant flowers
  • Award winner
Description

Black foliage. Black Beauty® elderberry gives the species a whole new look! Very large pink flowers in early summer contrast with the dark purple, almost black foliage. Grow it as a shrub, or cut it back each year and use it as a bold perennial.

Awards
Bronze Medal, Royal Boskoop Horticulture Society; 2002 Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
USDA Zone
5 - 7 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
8 - 12'
Width
8 - 12'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Early summer
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Black
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Extremely adaptable to soil pH and moisture levels.

Pruning

Blooms on old wood. However, pruning after bloom will remove the potential for fruit to set.

Uses

Grow either as a shrub or cut it back every year and make it into a bold perennial. Outstanding as a specimen, but also good in groupings and masses, perennial and shrub borders, as a specimen or screen.

Growing Tips

If fruit is desired, plant with Black Lace, Instant Karma, or Laced Up elderberry. Both flowers and ripe berries are edible; however, foliage and stems are toxic.

  • Tag: Black Beauty® Sambucus Tag
  • Benchcard: Black Beauty® Sambucus Benchcard
  • Article: Guide to Elderberries
  • Spec Sheet: Black Beauty® Sambucus Spec Sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Black Beauty® Sambucus Grower Sheet

    • Features: Edible, Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Drought tolerant, Alkaline soil, Award winner, Clay soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Sambucus, Common name: Elderberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Black foliage

    Features: Edible, Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Drought tolerant, Alkaline soil, Award winner, Clay soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Sambucus, Common name: Elderberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Black foliage