This one grows to a towering 8 or 10 feet with head-turning foliage that most people describe as "chocolate purple." The buds are red, and the flowers pink.The Elderberries, Sambucus spp., have always been giant, white-flowering natives with blooms much like Queen Anne's Lace. There is one main species in North America, and another in Europe, both very tall plants. As often happens, the Europeans have made something very special from something very common, with incredible new hybrids of their species. These are spectacular tall plants with dark foliage. You might confuse them with a very finely-cut Japanese maple. But then, once you see the stunning pink flowers, you'd know this is something else again! This new plant will create a big exotic show in your yard! They love moisture, but will adapt to drier areas. Be the first in the neighborhood to have one. (By the way, the birds love the berries that follow the bloom.)
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Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
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Common Name: Thundercloud Elderberry
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Type: Upright deciduous shrub
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Color: Red flower buds open to a lighter pink flower. Chocolate-purple foliage.
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Height: 96-120" tall (8-10')
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Spread/Width: 96-120" wide (8-10')
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Soil Preferences: Best in moist soil although will tolerate dry soils. Thrives under acid or alkaline soils.
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How To Grow It: To plant, dig a hole twice the size of the rootball. Remove container, loosen roots to stimulate growth, then backfill with a good outdoor garden mix. Water deeply and regularly during the first year. Mulch to retain moisture. Feed with an all purpose fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer, following application instructions. Prune to maintain shape.
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