Diablo Ninebark vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Diablo Ninebark vs Ranch Elderberry

Physocarpus opulifolius Diablo

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Diablo Ninebark
Ranch Elderberry

Diablo Ninebark is a small, low maintenance, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or color to any yard. This plant grows dark purple leaves in the spring and grows slightly faster than Common Ninebark. It features flaky red to brown bark, clusters of white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves. Diablo Ninebark can make a dense and colorful hedge, or it can be an attractive ornamental by itself.

Ranch Elderberry is a vigorous and high-yielding Black Elderberry cultivar. It ripens earlier than other varieties and is smaller and more compact making berry harvest easier. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. They are high in vitamin C and reported to be beneficial for the immune system.

Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Black Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.

Diablo Ninebark Quick Facts

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Foliage: reddish-purple
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: brown to red, exfoliating
Flowers: white
Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: red
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Seeds: inflated seed capsules
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: eastern ninebark, purple ninebark
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry