Sambucus (Elderberry ) 'Black Beauty"

You will find Elderberry native in many parts of the country and we have them in abundance in our Inland Northwest area. The plants you will find in Garden Centers however have been hybridized to have unusual leaf colors and shapes. The plants flower in the spring with clusters of white or pink blooms, then black, red or white fruit follows. Sambucus form and leaf colors come in a variety of shape and colors but they are fast growing, hardy, drought tolerant, disease and insect resistant, deer resistant, overall a wonderful shrub in your garden. Here is just a sampling of what we will be carrying in our garden center this season

One of our favorites: Sambucus “Black Beauty”: Rich, dark purple leaves make a statement in the landscape, large clusters of pink blooms, well set off by the dark leaves add to its charm. This shrub will produce edible purple berries if there is a compatible pollinator nearby such as Black Lace or Laced up. The birds love the berries and the bush provides wonderful protection for them. This grows to be a large plant so give it plenty of room, 8 to 12 feet tall and wide, but it can also be easily pruned. Full to part sun and hardy to zone 4.

Pick one up at the Garden Center when we open in April.