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Sambucus nigra Black Lace

elder 'Eva'

A deciduous shrub to 3m with very deeply dissected purplish-black foliage from spring to autumn, giving a distinctive lacy effect. Flat umbels of tiny pinkish flowers are borne abundantly in summer and have the characteristic grape scent of elder flowers. Purple-black berries may follow. The fruit and flowers may be used for flavouring drinks and in cooking

Synonyms
Sambucus 'Black Lace'
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Black Lace'
see moreSambucus nigra Black Lace
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple
Summer Pink Purple
Autumn Purple Black Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Sambucus can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with pinnate leaves and umbels or panicles of small creamy-white flowers followed by red, white or black berries

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun or part shade, and also thrives on extremely chalky sites. Best leaf colour in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Will tolerate hard pruning to restrict the size; can be maintained as small shrub if desired

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus

Get involved

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