• Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla &
  • Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla &
  • Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla &
1 4

Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Black Lace'

Elder 'Black Lace'

£14.39
£17.99
£14.39

3 litre pot

Moody, magnificent, and marvellously low-maintenance—Sambucus 'Black Lace' is the ultimate statement shrub. With its almost black, dissected leaves and clouds of soft pink flowers in summer, it’s ideal for adding high contrast and seasonal drama to borders or wildlife gardens. And when the berries arrive in autumn? Even the birds love it as much as you do.
  • Striking foliage colour
  • Useful for edible flowers and berries (must be cooked)
  • Provides seasonal interest from spring to autumn
  • Excellent in modern and wildlife planting schemes

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  • Aspect

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Hardiness

    Fully hardy

  • Flowers

    June

  • Soil type

    Moist, well-drained, fertile soil

Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla &
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla &
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla &

  • Why we like this plant

    Want bold foliage with real wow factor? Sambucus 'Black Lace' delivers with its rich, dark leaves and soft pink blooms. It gives all the impact of a fine-leaved ornamental shrub but with the added bonus of flowers, berries, and excellent wildlife value. It’s tough, stylish, and useful—whether you’re crafting cordial or just craving contrast in your planting scheme.

  • About this plant

    Sambucus 'Black Lace' is a striking deciduous shrub with finely cut, deep purple-black foliage that resembles the delicate texture of Japanese maple leaves. In early summer, it produces flat clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers that contrast beautifully against the dark foliage, followed by glossy black berries in autumn. Bold, dramatic, and wildlife-friendly, this elder is a perfect choice for hedging, back-of-border impact, or even large containers.

  • Key features

    • Dark, lace-like purple-black foliage
    • Lightly scented pink summer flowers
    • Edible black berries (after cooking)
    • Pollinator- and bird-friendly
    • Great for contrast planting and wildlife gardens

  • Eventual height and
    spread

    Height: 200–300cm | Spread: 200–300cm

  • Growth
    habit

    Large, bushy, and multi-stemmed with a broad, upright habit and arching shoots.

  • Moisture

    Moist but well-drained

  • Position in
    the Garden

    Perfect for back of borders, hedging, wildlife-friendly planting, or bold focal points

Planting guide

Plant in full sun or light shade for best leaf colour. Prune annually to maintain shape or grow as a small multi-stemmed tree. Space well to allow for its mature spread.

Care tips

Prune hard in late winter if growing for foliage effect, or lightly shape after flowering to encourage berries. Mulch annually and feed in spring.

Winter care

Fully hardy. Can be pruned hard in late winter to maintain size and promote fresh, vibrant foliage.