Black Lace™

Plant in sun or partial shade

72 - 96

Sambucus nigra
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Current Rating****1/2

Black Lace™

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

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BLACK LACE™ is a stunning development in Elderberry breeding. Intense purple black foliage is finely cut, giving it an effect similar to that of Japanese maple. Indeed, some designers are using it in place of the more sensitive acer varieties since BLACK LACE™ is extremely durable and adaptable. Creamy pink flowers in spring contrast nicely with the dark leaves. They are followed by blackish red fall berries which can be harvested for making elderberry wine and jam, or left on the plant to attract birds and other wildlife. BLACK LACE™ is very cold hardy and easy to grow, and adaptable to most sites. Full sun is needed for the best color. It can be used as a dramatic accent plant, planted en masse for a trouble free high hedge, or incorporated into the mixed or perennial border. Left alone it will reach up to 8 feet in height, but BLACK LACE™ can also be pruned back each year to fit into more formal settings.

Consumer Comment:
Wow, what a shrub! It is beautiful and unique. When I saw it at a local garden center, I fell in love with it and just had to buy one. The garden center only had 6 of them and they sold out very fast. I planted mine this spring and it has almost tripled in size. I love the deep purple/black leaves and I can't wait until it flowers. I always look for plants and shrubs that are very different and this Black Lace is a one of a kind. I get tons of compliments about the shrub from all of my neighbors and everyone wants one. Thanks for this new and stunning shrub. You definitely have a top notch winner!
T Cook, OH

Gardener’s Rated this plant:
****1/24.47

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Features

Distinctive lacy foliage all season and soft pink early summer flowers. Trim to shape after flowering. Season long color and texture. Fall fruit attracts birds. Deer resistant.

• Attracts Birds
• Deer Resistant
• Fall Interest
• Landscape Plant

Ornamental Characteristics

Flower Color
Pink

Foliage Color
Black/Purple

Height
72-96" (Tall)

Spacing
84-108"

Habit
Upright

Container Plant Style
Thriller - Used either in the back or middle of a container. Usually a taller item that adds height and drama to the container.

Patent Information

Black Lace™ 'Eva' US PP15,575; Can. PBR 2633

Plant Needs

Duration
Shrub

Bloom Time
Mid-Summer

Zone(s)
Hardy in zones 4 - 7

Hardy Temp
-30°F (-34°C)

Exposure
Plant in sun or partial shade

Water Needs
Normal to Wet

Maintenance
Moderate

Uses
Landscapes and containers

Great as a shrub in the landscape or as a potted shrub on the patio. Good in groupings or masses, or perennial and shrub borders. Makes a nice specimen or screen. Tough enough for roadsides or naturalizing. Good in wet soils. This is an excellent, e
Growing Tips
According to the Humane Society of American Sambucus leaves, bark, roots, and buds can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

Best in moist soil although will tolerate dry soils. Thrives under acid or alkaline soils. Best if pruned immediately after blooming. May be pruned to the ground each year and treated like a perennial. This plant will benefit from a good hard pruning as a young plant. Plants set flower buds the summer prior to blooming. Best with high moisture. Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the recommended rate of application.

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Year Award Trial
2006   Top New Variety ANLA Management Clinic
2006   Best New Variety ANLA Management Clinic
2006   Excellent Rating Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank
2005   12 New Shrubs People, Places and Plants
2005   Top Pick Garden Gate Magazine
   Silver Medal Royal Boskoop Horticulture Society

Exposure
Sun
Pot Size
30 inches
Color Scheme
Vibrant Mix

Exposure
Sun
Pot Size
18 inches
Color Scheme
Earth Tones

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Rating Scale
1 - Unsatisfied Did not survive, inferior performance or did not bloom well - won't grow again.
2 - Marginally Adequate Performed below expectations but may be willing to try again.
3 - Satisfactory Average performance, met expectations but not outstanding.
4 - Above Average Superior performance, among my favorites, would recommend to others.
5 - Outstanding My favorite plant, I recommend to others all the time and explain the reasons why I like it so much.
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