Overview
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Sambucus, part of the Viburnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 6 m tall. Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental shrub and hedging. It is native to Europe.
About
Sambucus nigra is a temperate species of tree or shrub in the family Viburnaceae native to the Azores, Europe, and the Middle East. Common names include elder, elderberry, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sambucus nigra
About the genus
Sambucus is a genus of between 20 and 30 species of flowering plants in the family Viburnaceae. The various species are commonly referred to as elder, with the flowers as elderflower, and the fruit as elderberry.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sambucus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sambucus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sambucus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 6 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental shrub, hedging
- Native to
- Europe
- Toxicity
- Berries and leaves are toxic if eaten raw
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'?
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' need?
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' grow?
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' reaches a height of 6 m.
Is Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' hardy in the UK?
Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'?
Softwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.
Is Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty' toxic?
Berries and leaves are toxic if eaten raw.