Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Sambucus
'Black Beauty'
black elder
Sambucus 'Black Beauty'—also known as Sambucus 'Gerda'—is every bit as striking as its name suggests. With rich, deep purple foliage that gleams like polished satin from spring to autumn, this award-winning elder brings instant drama to any garden. It’s a deciduous shrub or small tree that carries itself with quiet confidence, its dark leaves setting the perfect stage for clouds of pinkish-purple flowers in early summer. These frothy, flat-topped blooms release a subtle, sweet fragrance reminiscent of elderflower cordial, tempting both pollinators and gardeners alike. The RHS clearly agreed, bestowing Sambucus 'Black Beauty' with its prestigious Award of Garden Merit for performance and charm.
As the season ripens, those pretty flowers give way to clusters of glossy, purple-black berries—beloved by birds and excellent for homemade syrups or wine. Sambucus 'Black Beauty' thrives in full sun to partial shade, where its colour is richest, and in any reasonable garden soil that drains well. Whether used as a focal point, planted en masse for impact, or mixed among softer greens for contrast, it brings year-round intrigue and elegance. Hardy, low-maintenance and always in style, Sambucus 'Black Beauty' proves that dark foliage can be every bit as captivating—and perhaps even more so—than a garden full of flowers.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Black Beauty' syn. Sambucus 'Gerda'ᴾᴮᴿ
- Flower colour
- Pale pink
- Established height
- 2.5-3m
- Established spread
- 1.5-2m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Near-black
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 1 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
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Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
