Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty)

black-leaved elder

Family	Sambucaceae
Plant Type	deciduous shrub
Zone	USDA: 4a - 9b RHS: H - FH EGF: H1 - H5 Australia: 1 - 3
Care Level	low, easy, suitable for beginners.
Height	2.4 - 4.5 m (8 - 15 ft)
Spread	1.2 - 2.4 m (4 - 8 ft)
Light	full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture	average to moist, well-drained
Soil Type	clay to sandy
Soil pH	acidic to alkaline

Description	The deciduous shrub Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty) (black-leaved elder) bears showy and fragrant blossoms during early summer to mid summer. The foliage is showy. Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty) (black-leaved elder) yields showy fruit. A specimen plant, Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty) (black-leaved elder) can help you create a focal point in your garden design.
Typical Uses	Accent, border, container, hedge, specimen and screening.
Special Characteristics	Birds and butterflies are attracted to Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty) . This plant has a natural ability to resist rabbits.
Cautions	Depending upon your local conditions, Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty) (black-leaved elder) may be invasive.