Sambucus nigra ‘Gerda’
at Digging Dog

Sambucus

Elderberry

Throughout the world, Elders have long been considered powerful trees and shrubs. Sicilians thought the branches killed serpents and drove away robbers; Serbs believed the branches brought good luck at weddings; the English carried knotted twigs in their pockets to ward off rheumatism. We invite you to plant Elders to provide quick shade, wind protection, or an easy screen for unwanted views.

These wild-looking deciduous shrubs grow quickly and offer a beautiful accent near water. With pinnate leaves, white to pink flat flower clusters that measure up to 10 in. wide, and small, dark fruit, most of the twenty species of the genus like good, moist soil.

Sambucus nigra ‘Gerda’   

Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™

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)

Blooms May–June.

Size: 10'–12' high x 6'–8' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Sambucus nigra ‘Gerda’ (S-0595)
Each $11.50
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Other selections in this genus

• Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’