Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size3 x 2 metres in 20 years
FoliageLacy dark purple leaves (deciduous)
FlowersPink
PositionFull sun to part shade
SoilPrefers reasonably well-draining soil
Description
The dark purple, almost black foliage of Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is fine and heavily dissected, giving a lace like appearance. Pretty clusters of tiny pink flowers form at the start of summer that look stunning against the backdrop of dark intricate foliage. The flowers have a grape-musk scent and are followed by very deep red elderberries which are popular with birds.
Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is bushy and reaches approximately 3 metres height and 2 metres spread at maturity, but can be pruned back to keep it smaller. It grows well in partial shade but full sun produces the best foliage colours. This Black Elder is a fantastic and unusual choice with the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
AKA Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Black Lace’, Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Eva’, Elder ‘Black Lace’, Elder ‘Eva’
Nigel’s Nursery Notes: The second photo shows a ‘Black Lace’ that I choose to coppice every spring to keep it small for a herbaceous border.
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
