Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’

Elder

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does not flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Fruits
Fruits

Plant does not fruit in January

Plant does not fruit in February

Plant does not fruit in March

Plant does not fruit in April

Plant does not fruit in May

Plant does not fruit in June

Plant does not fruit in July

Plant does fruit in August

Plant does fruit in September

Plant does not fruit in October

Plant does not fruit in November

Plant does not fruit in December

  • Botanical name: Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'
  • Common name: Elder
  • Family: Caprifoliaceae
  • Plant Type: Tree, Deciduous
Flower colour:

Pink

Foliage colour:

Black

Purple

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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.

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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.

More on growing elders:

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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

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do not Plant in May

Do not Plant in June

Do not Plant in July

Do not Plant in August

Do Plant in September

Do Plant in October

Do Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does not flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Fruits
Fruits

Plant does not fruit in January

Plant does not fruit in February

Plant does not fruit in March

Plant does not fruit in April

Plant does not fruit in May

Plant does not fruit in June

Plant does not fruit in July

Plant does fruit in August

Plant does fruit in September

Plant does not fruit in October

Plant does not fruit in November

Plant does not fruit in December

Take cuttings
Take cuttings

Do not Take cuttings in January

Do not Take cuttings in February

Do not Take cuttings in March

Do not Take cuttings in April

Do not Take cuttings in May

Do Take cuttings in June

Do Take cuttings in July

Do Take cuttings in August

Do not Take cuttings in September

Do not Take cuttings in October

Do not Take cuttings in November

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:

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'