Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Blue Sheen ('Hyfsheen')
A bushy, deciduous shrub or small tree with divided, pinnate leaves up to 4m tall. Foliage flushed red and purple in spring, becoming darker red in summer and autumn. Frothy panicles of tiny, scented, pink flowers in summer are followed by round, glossy, black fruit.
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Red Purple | ||
| Autumn | Red Purple | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Thrives on very chalky soil
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or suitable for coppicing every three to four years to restrict size and improve foliage display
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus
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