black elder

Water Black Elder (Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' BLACK BEAUTY) about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch, to keep the soil moist. Try to water early in the day to prevent fungal diseases and other pests from affecting the plant. When it's time to water, use a gentle setting on the hose or watering can and water until the soil is completely saturated. If you're in an area with high temperatures, it's best to increase watering in the summer months and cut back when temperatures are cooler.

Black elder (Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' BLACK BEAUTY) needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day to thrive. If planted in a location that is too shady or sunny, the plant may not flower and/or may produce fewer fruits. The best location would be an area that gets morning sun and some shade during the hottest part of the day. It is also important to note that this plant enjoys full sun in cooler climates. Too much direct sunlight can cause foliage to burn, which will affect the plant’s overall health.

Pruning for a black elder, also known as Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' BLACK BEAUTY, is best done in early to mid-spring when there is an increase in temperatures and light. Pruning should be light with minimal removal of wood. The aim of pruning should be to keep the shrub or tree to a manageable size and maintain a good shape. Remove large dead branches first, then selectively prune to improve the plant’s appearance. Ensure that you don’t reduce the amount of foliage below the desired height. Only prune away diseased, dead and damaged branches and those that are growing in the wrong direction. Avoid cutting too much. The best approach is to remove no more than 1-third of the total length of branches.