The multifaceted world of elderberry species is anything but monotonous. The elderberry Sambucus nigra also has other decorative varieties to offer. Deer elderberry and Canadian elderberry don't have to hide behind it. Discover the most beautiful specimens.
What types of elderberry are there?
The most important types of elderberry are the black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) with different varieties such as 'Haschberg', 'Sampo', 'Black Beauty' and 'Black Lace', the Canadian elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and the deer elderberry or grape elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) with varieties such as 'Sutherland Gold' and 'Plumosa Aurea'.
The wonderful varieties of black elderberry
The elderberry genus contains 10 species with very different habits. The undisputed star here is the mighty black elderberry, which is still one of the most common shrubs in Central Europe. Creative breeders have created some varieties worth seeing:
- Large-fruited lilac berry 'Haschberg': extra large berries on umbels weighing up to 1000 grams
- Black elderberry 'Sampo': particularly bushy growth and more productive than the wild variety
- Black elderberry 'Black Beauty': fantastically beautiful with pink flowers and dark red foliage
- Black elderberry 'Black Lace': ideal for small gardens with white flowers and deep red leaves
The red-leaved columnar elder 'Black Tower' is an outstanding variety. With its slender silhouette, beautiful leaves, pink-white flowers and dramatic, violet-black berries, it attracts everyone's attention.
Beautiful Immigrant – Canadian Elderberry
An elderberry came to Europe from North America and served as a template for two spectacular varieties. Whether Canadian elderberry should be classified as a subspecies of the black elderberry or as an independent species may be left to botanists. This doesn't change the breathtaking appearance of the two most popular varieties:
- Leaf dress, creamy white flowers and light red berries
- Sambucus canadensis 'Maxima': strong-growing variety with large fruits and huge, white flowers
If you look for a Canadian elderberry in stores, it is often sold under the name yellow elderberry.
Deer elderberry – an elegant appearance
The imposing growth form of a black elderberry is contrasted by the stag elderberry or grape elderberry with an unmistakable elegance. Its varieties score points with panicle-shaped flowers and bright red fruits.
- Fern-leaved grape elder ‘Sutherland Gold’: deeply cut leaves in rich yellow under red berries
- Grape elderberry 'Plumosa Aurea': delicate pinnate leaves with light green underside, large fruits in bright red
Tips & Tricks
The dwarf elderberry is not recommended for growing in the garden. With its herbaceous growth and highly poisonous berries, the parakeet does not present any significant advantages. On the contrary, its berries are so similar to the edible elderberries of the black elderberry that many careless consumption has had unpleasant consequences.
