Skip to product information
1 of 2

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

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

Regular price £15.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £15.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

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.

Size
Quantity

Low stock: 8 left

View full details

Collapsible content

Collapsible row

Collapsible row

Collapsible row