Sambucus nigra Black Lace | 7.5 Litre Pot | 40cm - 60cm Height

Experience the dramatic beauty of Sambucus nigra Black Lace, an ornamental elder famed for its deeply dissected, dark purple foliage and delicate pink flowers.

This striking cultivar, often referred to as Black Lace Elder, brings unparalleled elegance to UK gardens. Its unique appearance ensures it stands out, creating a focal point in any planting scheme. Gardeners appreciate its robust nature and the stunning seasonal interest it offers, from intricate leaves to vibrant summer blooms. Furthermore, it easily adapts to various garden styles, making it a versatile choice for many enthusiasts.

Key Features of Sambucus nigra Black Lace

• Stunning, deeply cut, dark purple foliage provides year-round drama.
• Delicate, lacy pink flowers emerge in early summer, contrasting beautifully with the leaves.
• Produces dark, edible berries in autumn, beneficial for wildlife (after cooking).
• Grows into a graceful shrub or small tree, reaching a manageable size.
• Offers excellent hardiness, thriving across much of the UK.

Discovering Sambucus nigra Black Lace

Sambucus nigra Black Lace is a magnificent ornamental form of the common elder. Breeders developed this specific cultivar for its exceptional foliage and flower display, giving it the distinctive ‘Black Lace’ name. This name perfectly captures the deeply cut, fern-like leaves which possess a rich, dark purple, almost black, hue. These leaves provide a striking contrast against lighter green plants, adding depth and sophistication to garden designs.

Foliage and Bloom of Black Lace Elder

The foliage truly defines Sambucus nigra Black Lace. Its leaves emerge with a vibrant dark colour in spring, holding their intense shade throughout the summer. Subsequently, they may take on reddish tones in autumn before falling. In early summer, flat clusters of delicate, lacy pink flowers appear, creating a beautiful spectacle. These blossoms carry a subtle, sweet fragrance and attract a variety of pollinating insects. Following the flowers, clusters of small, black, glossy berries develop, providing an important food source for birds, especially as the season progresses.

Garden Uses and Pruning for Sambucus nigra Black Lace

Gardeners widely use Black Lace Elder as a dramatic specimen plant, allowing its distinctive form to shine. Alternatively, you can plant it within mixed borders to create textural contrast or employ it as an informal screening plant. Its adaptable nature means it suits both modern and traditional garden settings. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages dense, colourful foliage. You can prune it hard in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote strong, fresh growth, which often displays the best foliage colour. This practice also helps manage its size effectively.

Wildlife Appeal of the Black Lace Elder

Sambucus nigra Black Lace greatly benefits local wildlife. Its summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity. Later in the year, the plant produces abundant dark berries. Many bird species, including thrushes and blackbirds, readily consume these berries, making the plant a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Therefore, by including this elder, you contribute to a thriving ecosystem.