Have a question? Check out our FAQs

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' Shrub

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' Shrub

Black Elder Shrubs

Dark purple, nearly black foliage, tiny pink flowers and deep red elderberries. This shrub really is eye-catching.
Regular price From £30
Sale price From £30 Regular price £30
Available As:
Single stem tree
Single stem tree
Classic tree with one trunk
Bush
Bush
Many stems low down
Choose Option 5 options
View full details
Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' Shrub

Black Elder Shrubs

Choose Option 5 options
Product Details
Planting & Care
Delivery Information

Key features

Awards
Awards RHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size
Final size 3 x 2 metres in 20 years
Foliage
Foliage Dark purple, heavily dissected leaves
Position
Position Full sun or partial shade
Soil
Soil Any type if well-drained or moist but well-drained

Description

The dark purple, almost black foliage of Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' is fine and heavily dissected, giving a lace like appearance. Pretty clusters of tiny pink flowers form at the start of summer that look stunning against the backdrop of dark intricate foliage. The flowers have a grape-musk scent and are followed by very deep red elderberries which are popular with birds.

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' is bushy and reaches approximately 3 metres height and 2 metres spread at maturity, but can be pruned back to keep it smaller. It grows well in partial shade but full sun produces the best foliage colours. This Black Elder is a fantastic and unusual choice with the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

AKA Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Black Lace', Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva', Elder 'Black Lace', Elder 'Eva'

Nigel's Nursery Notes: The second photo shows a 'Black Lace'  that I choose to coppice every spring to keep it small for a herbaceous border.

Planting Steps

Aftercare Advice

Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

Small shrubs (1-3) Young trees & 4+ small shrubs Select semi-mature trees & shrubs (1-4) All other mature trees (any quantity)
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands £10 £12 £35 from £55
Scottish Highlands & the Islands From £30
Outside Mainland UK Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK

Product Details

Key features

Awards
Awards RHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size
Final size 3 x 2 metres in 20 years
Foliage
Foliage Dark purple, heavily dissected leaves
Position
Position Full sun or partial shade
Soil
Soil Any type if well-drained or moist but well-drained

Description

The dark purple, almost black foliage of Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' is fine and heavily dissected, giving a lace like appearance. Pretty clusters of tiny pink flowers form at the start of summer that look...

The dark purple, almost black foliage of Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' is fine and heavily dissected, giving a lace like appearance. Pretty clusters of tiny pink flowers form at the start of summer that look stunning against the backdrop of dark intricate foliage. The flowers have a grape-musk scent and are followed by very deep red elderberries which are popular with birds.

Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' is bushy and reaches approximately 3 metres height and 2 metres spread at maturity, but can be pruned back to keep it smaller. It grows well in partial shade but full sun produces the best foliage colours. This Black Elder is a fantastic and unusual choice with the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

AKA Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Black Lace', Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva', Elder 'Black Lace', Elder 'Eva'

Nigel's Nursery Notes: The second photo shows a 'Black Lace'  that I choose to coppice every spring to keep it small for a herbaceous border.

Planting & Care

Planting Steps

Aftercare Advice

Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

Delivery Information

Small shrubs (1-3) Young trees & 4+ small shrubs Select semi-mature trees & shrubs (1-4) All other mature trees (any quantity)
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands £10 £12 £35 from £55
Scottish Highlands & the Islands From £30
Outside Mainland UK Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK