Sambucus Elderberry Purple

Purple-leaved elderberry is a fast-growing deciduous shrub grown for deeply coloured foliage, dark purple to near black, which sets off flat heads of pink-tinged cream flowers in late spring and early summer. Dark berries follow and draw birds through summer. The leaf colour holds best with some direct sun; in heavy shade it greens up. Full sun to part shade. Moist, well-drained soil with organic matter dug through. Water regularly through summer. Prune hard in late winter to keep it compact and bring on fresh, well-coloured growth. The raw berries are not for eating.