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
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H6Botanical 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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