Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (PBR)
black elder (syn. Sambucus Black Beauty)
This fantastic variety of elder has intense, black-burgundy foliage and sweet, lemon-scented, pale pink flowers in early summer, opening from dark red buds. Darker than other varieties, Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' makes an excellent ornamental plant for a site in sun or partial shade. As an added bonus the purple-black autumn fruits are highly attractive to songbirds.
For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze.
For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze.
How to care for Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (PBR):
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, and water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year to help the plant establish.
For the best foliage display, cut the plant back to ground level, following its second year after planting, in early spring before new growth begins. This encourages fresh, vibrant leaves throughout the growing season.
After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients.
For the best foliage display, cut the plant back to ground level, following its second year after planting, in early spring before new growth begins. This encourages fresh, vibrant leaves throughout the growing season.
After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
3m
Eventual spread:
4m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; fruit/flowers edible if cooked
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (PBR)
black elder (syn. Sambucus Black Beauty)
This fantastic variety of elder has intense, black-burgundy foliage and sweet, lemon-scented, pale pink flowers in early summer, opening from dark red buds. Darker than other varieties, Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' makes an excellent ornamental plant for a site in sun or partial shade. As an added bonus the purple-black autumn fruits are highly attractive to songbirds.
For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze.
For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze.
How to care for Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (PBR):
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, and water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year to help the plant establish.
For the best foliage display, cut the plant back to ground level, following its second year after planting, in early spring before new growth begins. This encourages fresh, vibrant leaves throughout the growing season.
After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients.
For the best foliage display, cut the plant back to ground level, following its second year after planting, in early spring before new growth begins. This encourages fresh, vibrant leaves throughout the growing season.
After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
3m
Eventual spread:
4m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; fruit/flowers edible if cooked