Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ – Ornamental Elder

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’

• Common Name: Black Lace Elder

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree

• Size at Delivery: Supplied at 60–80 cm tall, with strong potential for rapid growth.

• Height & Spread at Maturity: Typically grows to 2–3 metres tall and wide, forming a broad, arching habit.

• Foliage: Deeply cut, dark purple-black leaves with a finely laced, almost Japanese maple-like appearance. Foliage retains colour well throughout the season.

• Flowers: Flat clusters of pale pink blossoms in early summer, contrasting beautifully against the dark foliage. Flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators.

• Fruit: Clusters of glossy black elderberries develop in autumn, popular with birds and suitable for jams and syrups if cooked.

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring: Fresh new dark foliage and fragrant pink flowers.

  • Summer: Bold architectural foliage provides contrast in borders.

  • Autumn: Black berries attract wildlife.

  • Winter: Deciduous, with bare stems providing structure.

• Garden Uses:

  • Works well as a specimen shrub, ornamental hedge, or mixed border feature.

  • Provides dramatic contrast to lighter-leaved plants.

  • Suited for wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Special Features: Combines the hardiness and fast growth of traditional elder with the elegance of an ornamental shrub.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows best in full sun to partial shade.

  • Strongest foliage colour develops in full sun.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Adaptable to most soils, including clay, loam, or sandy soils.

  • Prefers moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates poorer soils.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Moderate water needs; thrives in evenly moist conditions.

  • Can tolerate short dry spells once established.

• pH Range:

  • Suitable for acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils.

• Planting Time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn when the soil is workable.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Excellent for mixed borders, hedges, or standalone planting.

  • Combines beautifully with silver, gold, or lime-leaved plants for striking contrasts.

  • Also suitable for larger pots if kept well-watered.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first season to establish strong roots.

  • Once established, only occasional watering is needed in dry periods.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong growth and flowering.

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

  • Can be cut back hard every 2–3 years for rejuvenation.

  • Remove dead or damaged branches as needed.

• Mulching:

  • Mulch in spring to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally trouble-free but may occasionally attract aphids.

  • Good airflow around the plant helps prevent mildew.

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy in most climates, tolerating frosts and cold weather.

  • Requires no special protection.

• Additional Notes:

  • Edible berries must always be cooked before consumption to neutralise toxins.

  • Regular pruning ensures best ornamental value.

✨ Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ (60–80 cm) is a stunning, low-maintenance shrub that brings year-round structure, dramatic foliage colour, and wildlife value to gardens. Its combination of elegant pink flowers, purple-black leaves, and autumn berries makes it an excellent choice for both modern and traditional landscapes.

• Size
  7.5 Litre

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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.