Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace’

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace®’: Dark Foliage, Soft Pink Spring Bloom

A Proven Winners favourite for dramatic colour and fine texture, Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace®’ brings rich purple-black, finely cut foliage that looks like a living piece of lace in the garden. In early spring, soft pink flowers float above the dark leaves, creating a striking contrast that feels both bold and elegant. As the season progresses, blooms give way to black berries in late summer, adding another layer of interest for the landscape and wildlife. With a fast growth rate and an upright, spreading habit, it quickly becomes a strong, architectural shrub in sun to part shade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 213–244 cm
• Spread: 183–213 cm
• Flower Colour: Pink
• Flowering Period: Early spring
• Foliage: Purple-black, finely cut deciduous foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable in average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: ‘Black Lace®’ is ideal as a focal shrub in mixed borders, along fences, or as a dramatic backdrop behind lighter foliage and flowering perennials. Its dark leaves add instant depth to planting designs and make pale blooms and silver foliage look brighter by comparison. Use it to anchor a contemporary garden palette, or to bring a sophisticated twist to cottage-style plantings. The late-summer berries add seasonal interest and can attract birds, making it a strong choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the deepest foliage colour, with part shade acceptable in hotter sites. Water regularly during the first season, then provide moisture during extended dry spells, especially in sandy soils or during high heat. Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps the root zone cool. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage fresh new growth, since the best colour and texture come from vigorous young stems. If you need to reduce size, this shrub responds well to pruning and will fill back in quickly.

History: Offered through Proven Winners, ‘Black Lace®’ was selected for its unusually dark, finely dissected foliage and its showy spring flower display. It helped popularize elderberry as a design-forward landscape shrub, proving that bold foliage can be just as impactful as flowers in creating memorable garden compositions.

Final Thoughts: For gardeners who love high-contrast planting and rich foliage colour, ‘Black Lace®’ delivers a confident, modern look, with pink spring bloom and late-season berries that keep the shrub interesting well beyond its first flush.