Black elder and Ninebark are often considered for the same spot in the garden (screening, hedge, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Sambucus nigra 4 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
A native, very fast-growing, spreading shrub or small tree that carries large, creamy white, strongly scented flower plates from late spring and…
Physocarpus opulifolius 2.5 m × 2 m after 10 years
An undemanding, fast-growing deciduous shrub with arching branches, rounded clusters of white or pinkish flowers in May and June and reddish, inflated…
Black elder grows larger: 4 m × 3.5 m after ten years, against 2.5 m × 2 m for Ninebark.
Ninebark is hardier: down to -45 °C, against -29 °C for Black elder.
Ninebark tolerates drought better than Black elder.
Ninebark needs less care than Black elder.
|
Feature
|
Black elder
|
Ninebark
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 4 m × 3.5 m | 2.5 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–10 m × 2.4–6 m | 1.5–3 m × 1.2–3 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -45 °C (USDA 2, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–July, white, pink | May–June, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 250 cm | 150 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €17 | approx. €17 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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