Sambucus nigra ‘Laced Up’ – Black Elder

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra ‘Laced Up’

• Common Name: Black Elder, Elderberry ‘Laced Up’

• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub or small tree.

• Height & Spread: Grows tall and narrow, typically 3–4 metres high but only 90–120 cm wide, giving it a striking columnar silhouette.

• Foliage: Deep dark purple to black finely cut leaves, almost fern-like, that create a dramatic, architectural effect in the garden.

• Flowers: Produces large clusters of soft pink flowers in late spring to early summer. These fragrant blooms contrast beautifully with the dark foliage and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

• Fruit: Glossy black elderberries follow the flowers, loved by birds and also suitable for making syrups and preserves (must be cooked before consumption).

• Garden Uses:

  • Excellent as a vertical feature plant or architectural accent.

  • Perfect for narrow borders, small gardens, or urban spaces where width is limited.

  • Works well in modern garden designs or planted in rows for screening.

  • Pairs beautifully with plants that have lighter or golden foliage for striking contrast.

• Special Features: Combines the beauty of Black Lace foliage with a compact, columnar shape, making it a space-saving alternative to larger elder varieties.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives best in full sun to partial shade.

  • Full sun enhances the rich, dark colouring of the foliage.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows in most garden soils, from loam to clay and sandy ground.

  • Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Needs regular watering in its first year to establish strong roots.

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during hot weather.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Ideal for narrow garden borders or against fences and walls due to its upright growth habit.

  • Works well in containers if watered and fed regularly.

  • Place where its flowers and foliage contrast will stand out in the landscape.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water thoroughly during prolonged dry spells, particularly in the first two years.

  • Avoid waterlogging, which may damage roots.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth and better flower production.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required due to its natural columnar shape.

  • In early spring, remove dead, damaged, or weak stems.

  • For rejuvenation, older plants can be cut back hard every 3–4 years to stimulate fresh shoots.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base in spring to conserve moisture and enrich soil.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally hardy and resistant.

  • Occasional aphids may appear on young shoots but rarely cause serious harm.

  • Good air circulation reduces the risk of mildew.

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland, tolerating frosts and cold winters without protection.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for pollinators.

  • Berries feed birds and small mammals, adding to its value as a wildlife-friendly plant.

✨ Sambucus nigra ‘Laced Up’ is a striking, space-saving elder variety with finely cut black foliage, soft pink flowers, and glossy berries. Perfect for smaller gardens or modern landscapes, it offers vertical drama, seasonal interest, and ecological value with minimal care.

• 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)

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.