Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' – Black Elder | Architectural Deciduous Shrub

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ – Black Elder

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is one of the most dramatic and architectural of all deciduous shrubs — a plant that earns its place in the border through every season. Its deeply cut, finely divided foliage is a rich, near-black purple — creating a striking contrast with almost any neighbouring plant — while in early summer it produces large, flat-topped flowerheads of soft pink blossom with a delicate elderflower fragrance. In autumn, clusters of small dark berries follow, attracting birds and adding further seasonal interest. Bold, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to grow.

Why Choose ‘Black Lace’

• Deeply cut, near-black purple foliage — one of the most dramatic dark-leaved shrubs available
• Large, flat-topped pink flowerheads in June with a classic elderflower fragrance
• Dark berries in autumn — attractive to birds and wildlife
• RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) — a proven, reliable performer
• Fast-growing and vigorous — makes an immediate impact in the border
• Responds well to hard pruning — cut back hard for the largest, most dramatic leaves

Growing Guide

• Position: Full sun to partial shade; darkest foliage colour in full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates most soil types including heavy clay
• Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H6)
• Ultimate height: 2–3m; easily managed with annual pruning
• Pruning: Cut back hard in early spring for the largest leaves and most intense colour; or prune lightly to retain flowering

Planting & Care Tips

• Plant in full sun for the deepest, most intense foliage colour
• Hard pruning in spring produces larger, more dramatic leaves but sacrifices flowers
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and support establishment
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous new growth

Delivery

Supplied in a 2 litre pot. Grown and dispatched from Stoneybrook Nursery. All plants are carefully packaged to arrive in excellent condition, ready to plant.