Plant Record

Cultural/Growing Information

pH: B (5.8 - 6.2)

EC (2:1 Extraction Method): B (0.6 - 0.9)

Fertilization Recommendations: M (150-200 ppm)

Rooting Out: A (65-72°F or 18-22°C)

Growing On: A (60-65°F or 16-18°C)

Holding Temperature: A (40-50°F or 4-10°C)

Light Levels: Moderate to High

Water Requirements: Moderate to Moist

Pinching/Growth Regulators: Frequent pruning is required to produce a full bodied plant. Grow like you would a Spiraea NOTE: a hard shearing once the summer heat arrives will shut down all new growth until cool nights arrive in early fall.

Pest and Disease Management: General disease and pest practices as lsited in notes. Aphids, Spider Mites, Cercospora can be problematic. Spray on a regular rotation with a fungicide to control .

Grower Tips:

-Do not prune too hard. Very hard pruning will promote horizontal growth. Light tip pruning or shearing is best. -Indoor finishing will produce lighter colored foliage. Plants finished outdoors in cooler temperatures will have a dark purple/black foliage.

Special Notes: -Black Beauty can be treated as a perennial and cut back or thinned out after it blooms. -Poly grown plants will have lighter colored foliage.

Vernalization: Required

Spring Outdoor Finish?: C - Last to go outside

Over wintering Temperature (Zones 2-7): polyhouse

Shade Requirements: Light shade in summer heat (High light for darkest

Heat Zone (high to low): 8-6

Type: Deciduous

Flowers On: Old Wood

Planting & Timing Information (Nursery): Spring to Fall, 1 ppp

Planting & Timing Information (Greenhouse): Spring to Fall, 1 ppp

1 GL or 8"/ 50 tray (Greenhouse): 9-12 weeks, 1-2 pinches (will grow more slowly in summer production)

1GL or 8"/ 2.25" (Greenhouse): 6-8 weeks, 1-2 pinches

1 GL or 8"/ 2.25" - Pinch (Nursery) 6-8 weeks, 2 pinches

1 GL or 8"/ 2.25" - Shear (Nursery) 8-10 weeks, 2 shears

1 GL or 8" / Quick Turn - Pinch (5" liner) (Nursery): 4-6 weeks, 1 pinch

1 GL or 8" / Quick Turn - Shear (5" liner) (Nursery) 4-6 weeks, 1 shear

2 GL / 2.25" - Pinch (Nursery): 12-14 weeks, 2-3 pinches

2 GL / 2.25" - Shear (Nursery): 14-18 weeks, 2-3 shears

3 GL / 2.25" - Pinch (Nursery): 14-16 weeks, 3-4 pinches

3 GL / 2.25" - Shear (Nursery): 16-20 weeks, 3-4 shears

3 GL / Quick Turn - Pinch (5" liner) (Nursery): 10-12 weeks, 3-4 pinches

3 GL / Quick Turn - Shear (5" liner) (Nursery): 12-16 weeks, 3-4 shears

3 GL / 1 gallon shift - Pinch (Nursery): 6-8 weeks, 2-3 pinches

3 GL / 1 gallon shift - Shear (Nursery): 8-12 weeks, 2-3 shears

5 GL / 1 gallon shift - Pinch (Nursery): 10-14 weeks, 3-4

5 GL / 1 gallon shift - Shear (Nursery): 16-20 weeks, 3-4 shears

General Information

Description
This is a whole new look for elderberry! Massive, pink flowers in mid-summer contrast wonderfully with the dark purple, almost black foliage. Grow it as a shrub, or cut it back each year and use it as a bold perennial. Tons of appeal! Into Sambucus? Check out the newest edition to the family: Black Lace™.

Growing Tips
According to the Humane Society of American Sambucus leaves, bark, roots, and buds can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

Best in moist soil although will tolerate dry soils. Thrives under acid or alkaline soils. Best if pruned immediately after blooming. May be pruned to the ground each year and grown like a perennial. Sets buds the summer prior to blooming. Likes high moisture. Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for the recommended rate of application.

Exposure
Plant in sun or partial shade

Height
96-144"

Spacing
108-156"

Hardy Temp
-30°F (-34°C)

Zone(s)
4

Uses
Grow either as a shrub or cut it back every year and make it into a bold perennial. Good in groupings and masses, perennial and shrub borders, as a specimen or screen, on roadsides or for naturalizing, good in boggy or wet gardens.

Features
Dark purple foliage all season and soft pink early summer flowers. Prune immediately after flowering. Season long color. Fall fruit attracts wildlife. Deer resistant.

Patent:
Sambucus BLACK BEAUTY™ 'Gerda ™' PP12305 Patented; 2663 Patented

There are no other plants in this series

Awards Won

- Great Plant Picks
  -Great Plant Picks
- Award of Garden Merit
  -Royal Horticulture Society at Wisley Gardens