Black Beauty® Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
⚠️The information on this page is for reference only. This variety is no longer available from Proven Winners®.
Heat and humidity lover with textured, glossy, true black leaves
- 8-12 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide at maturity
- Hardy in zones 4a-7b, be sure to check your USDA zone to ensure success
- Plant in part to full sun (4+ hours daily)
- Space plants 9-13 feet apart for best results
- Produces pink flowers from early summer
- Maintains black-purple foliage spring to fall
- Blooms on old wood
- Great for containers, landscapes, borders, specimen plantings, focal points
- Attracts birds and resists deer
- Produces decorative berries, foliage interest, fall interest
- Shrubs and trees shipped Nov-Apr will arrive dormant; shrubs and trees shipped Apr-Oct will arrive green or in bloom
Care: According to the Humane Society of America, elderberry can be toxic to pets if consumed. Best in moist soil, although this dark purple-black foliage plant will tolerate dry soils. Thrives under acid or alkaline soils. This pink flowering elderberry is best if pruned immediately after blooming. May be pruned to the ground each year and grown like a perennial. Fertilize in early spring by applying a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for the recommended rate of application. The color on Black Beauty elderberry is best in cool climates; in hot areas, it may grow primarily green foliage.
