Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ – Striking Dark-Foliaged Elder

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’

• Common Name: Black Lace Elder

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub

• Origin: Cultivated variety of the European elderberry

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub with finely cut, lacy foliage that resembles Japanese maples.

• Height & Spread: Grows up to 2–3 metres high and wide, though can be pruned to maintain smaller sizes.

• Foliage: Deep purple-black, almost lace-like leaves, providing dramatic contrast in borders.

• Flowers: Flat-topped clusters of soft pink flowers in early summer, resembling elderflower but with a delicate pink flush.

• Fruit: Glossy black berries appear in autumn, highly attractive to birds and suitable for syrups and jams if cooked.

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring–summer: Dark foliage and pink flowers.

  • Autumn: Black berries with wildlife value.

  • Winter: Architectural stems.

• Garden Uses:

  • Works well as a focal point shrub, informal hedge, or mixed border feature.

  • Excellent for wildlife gardens, cottage-style borders, or modern plantings where bold foliage colour is desired.

• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and pollinators, while berries feed birds in autumn.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Best colour achieved in full sun, though will tolerate partial shade.

  • Too much shade may reduce foliage intensity.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Adaptable to most soils, from light sandy to heavier clay, as long as drainage is good.

  • Prefers moist but well-drained conditions enriched with organic matter.

• pH Range:

  • Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soils are tolerated.

• Planting Time:

  • Plant in spring or autumn when soil is warm and workable.

• Spacing:

  • Allow 2–3 metres between plants for mature spread.

  • For hedging or screening, spacing can be reduced to 1.5 metres.

• Companion Planting:

  • Contrasts beautifully with silver, golden, or green foliage plants.

  • Complements ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, and perennials like rudbeckias or echinaceas.

• Container Growing:

  • Can be grown in large containers with good-quality compost and regular feeding.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly in the first year to establish roots.

  • Mature plants are tolerant of some drought but perform best with consistent moisture.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring.

  • Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure.

• Pruning:

  • Two approaches:

    • Hard prune in early spring to ground level to encourage vigorous new foliage growth.

    • Light prune after flowering to maintain shape and allow berry production.

  • Removing older stems every few years keeps the plant rejuvenated.

• Mulching:

  • A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free, though aphids and powdery mildew may occasionally appear.

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy, requires no protection.

• Longevity:

  • A long-lived shrub that develops into a striking feature with minimal care.

✨ Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is a bold, architectural shrub combining ornamental beauty with wildlife value. Its deep purple, lace-like foliage, pink blooms, and autumn berries make it a versatile choice for both traditional and contemporary gardens.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.