The ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’) is a striking ornamental plant known for its dramatic dark foliage. Its deep purple-black leaves offer a distinct contrast in garden spaces, making it a popular choice for visual interest. This European elderberry cultivar is admired for its unique aesthetic appeal, with its bold color remaining vibrant throughout the growing season.
Key Characteristics of Black Beauty Elderberry
The ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry features lacy, deeply dissected foliage that ranges from deep purple to almost black, providing a rich appearance. In early summer, large, flattened clusters of pink to pinkish-purple flowers accent the dark leaves. These blossoms often carry a sweet, lemon, or anise-like fragrance. Following the floral display, the plant produces edible dark purple-black berries in late summer or early fall, which attract birds and wildlife.
This deciduous shrub grows as an upright plant, reaching a mature height of 8 to 15 feet and a spread of 4 to 8 feet. It may spread by root suckers to form colonies. ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 7. For optimal foliage color, particularly the deep purple-black hue, growing the plant in full sun is recommended, as warmer climates might cause the foliage to appear greener.
Planting and Care Essentials
The ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun encouraging the deepest foliage color. It performs best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soils. The plant tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels, including acidic and alkaline conditions.
When planting, prepare the soil, ideally incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root ball and place the plant at the same depth as its nursery container. Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the soil. Proper spacing, typically 8 feet center on center, allows for adequate air circulation and growth.
Watering is important during the plant’s establishment phase and dry periods. ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Aim for about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Fertilization supports robust growth and vibrant foliage. In early spring, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs, such as a balanced 10-10-10 NPK formula. Alternatively, incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into the soil in early spring and early fall. Mulching around the base of the plant with organic material helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Pruning and Shaping Your Elderberry
Pruning maintains the aesthetic appeal and health of ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry. It helps manage the plant’s size, promotes a bushier habit, and encourages new growth, which often displays the most intense dark foliage color. Pruning also improves air circulation, helping prevent certain diseases.
The best time to prune is during its dormant period, in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Young plants require minimal pruning for the first two to three years to establish a strong root system.
Pruning for Foliage Color
To encourage vibrant dark foliage, an annual hard pruning can be performed, cutting the plant back to the ground each year. This method stimulates vigorous new shoots with intense color.
Pruning for Shape and Health
For shape and health, selectively remove about one-third of the oldest branches annually by cutting them back to the base of the shrub. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems at any time. Prune any root suckers as they emerge to control spreading.
Troubleshooting and Common Problems
While generally hardy, ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry can encounter a few common issues. Pests such as aphids and spider mites may occasionally affect the plant, feeding on its leaves. A strong spray of water can dislodge these pests, and insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used for treatment. Cane borers are another potential pest, indicated by wilted tips or sawdust-like material; affected canes should be removed and destroyed.
Several diseases can impact elderberry plants, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker diseases. Powdery mildew appears as a whitish-gray powdery coating on leaves. Leaf spot results in discolored spots on foliage, while cankers cause sunken lesions on stems, often leading to dieback. Good air circulation, proper watering techniques, and removing infected plant parts can help manage these issues.
General growth issues like yellowing leaves or a lack of vigor often trace back to environmental factors or care practices. Yellowing foliage may signal overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or fungal problems. Ensuring the plant receives adequate light and has well-draining soil prevents many of these issues. Providing consistent moisture and fertilizing as recommended helps maintain overall plant health and vibrant foliage color.