Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (PBR)
black elder (syn. Sambucus Black Beauty)
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- 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