Sambucus nigra. The Maria Callas of elderberries, 'Black Beauty' demands your attention and then rewards you with a dramatic display throughout the season. Also known as 'Gerda', this shrub's darkest purple foliage is more effective and long-lasting than that of other cultivars. And those flowers! No other shrub offers ten-inch cymes of pink flowers scented with citrus. The shiny black berries that follow are so prolific they weigh down the branches. 10' x 8.' Full sun for best foliage color and berry production. Moist to dry soil. Plants in 1-gal containers, about 8" tall. Zones 4-9. Can be cut back to keep in bounds. Truly remarkable in a woodland setting with Corydalis flexuosa 'Pere David' nestled at its feet. |