Sambucus nigra 'Thundercloud'
elder 'Thundercloud'
Decidous low maintenance shrub with a dense upright habit and finely-divided palmate leaves of almost black foliage. Red buds open in summer to flattened panicles of fragrant reddish-pink flowers that turn into glossy, dark purple fruit in autumn, a popular food source for wildlife.
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Pink | |||
| Autumn | Purple Black | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Sambucus can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with pinnate leaves and umbels or panicles of small creamy-white flowers followed by red, white or black berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Will tolerate most soils in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or partial-shade, prefering full sun to achieve the darkest leaf colour. Feed and water until well established, and lightly prune to keep in shape if necessary requiring little maintenance after that.
Propagation
Propagate from hard-wood or soft-wood cuttings.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning in winter for general maintenance and to keep in shape. It will tolerate hard pruning to rejuvenate if required.
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Get involved
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