- Botanical name: Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'
- Common name: Elder
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Pink
Black
Purple
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Dramatic foliage
- Flowers
Common elder, Sambucus nigra, bears sprays of tiny white flowers in early summer followed by small black fruit which can be cooked and eaten, or used to make a refreshing summer drink.
Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ has very finely cut, almost black foliage, which is the perfect foil to the pink-flushed blooms, which are followed by red-black elderberries. In autumn, its leaves turn a rich red. To produce the best coloured leaves, prune plants back to ground level every year in early spring (bear in mind this may be at the expense of flowers and fruit). It works well when planted on its own or as part of a hedge.
For best results, grow Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ in moist but well drained soil in full sun to partial shade. However, it will tolerate waterlogged or very chalky ground.
- Buy Sambucus nigra from Crocus, Thompson & Morgan and Sarah Raven
- Buy Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ from Crocus, Thompson & Morgan and Gardening Express
More on growing elders:
How to grow Sambucus 'Black Lace'
-
Plant size
6m height
6m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle, back
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does not fruit in July |
A
Plant does fruit in August |
S
Plant does fruit in September |
O
Plant does not fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do not Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do not Take cuttings in March |
A
Do not Take cuttings in April |
M
Do not Take cuttings in May |
J
Do Take cuttings in June |
J
Do Take cuttings in July |
A
Do Take cuttings in August |
S
Do not Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do not Take cuttings in November |
D
Do not Take cuttings in December |
Sambucus 'Black Lace' and wildlife
Sambucus 'Black Lace' is known for attracting bees, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Sambucus 'Black Lace' poisonous?
Sambucus 'Black Lace' has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Sambucus 'Black Lace'
