Sambucus Nigra Black Lace 12 Litre Pot 80/100cm

Sambucus also known as elder or elderberry. Are stunning deciduous shrubs. Most varieties bearing urplish black or a bright yellow, deeply serrated foliage. In spring bear creamy white flowers, these are tehn followed by fruits  in various colours. The fruits are very valuable to birds and a great way to encourage them in to your garden.

They do well in moist well drained soil and extreme chalk soils, in sun or partial shade. To maintain sambucus they can be trimmed back hard to restrict the height in late winter / early spring.

Black Elder 'Black Lace', is an eye-catching deciduous shrub prized for its dramatic, finely cut, dark purple to near-black foliage. Its elegant, lace-like leaves combined with its clusters of pale pink flowers make it a striking addition to any garden.

• Leaves: The foliage is deeply dissected, giving it a lacy, fern-like appearance. The leaves are a rich, dark purple to black color, offering a stunning contrast in the garden. This bold color persists throughout the growing season, providing ornamental interest from spring to autumn.
• Growth Habit: Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' has an upright, bushy habit and forms a vase-like shape. It grows quickly and can be used as a statement plant or as part of a mixed border.
• It produces large, flattened clusters (umbels) of small, star-shaped flowers in soft, pale pink or creamy white. The delicate pink flowers contrast beautifully against the dark foliage, creating a striking visual effect. The shrub blooms in early summer, typically around June. The flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Appearance: After flowering, Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' produces clusters of small, glossy, dark purple to black berries (elderberries) in late summer to autumn. These berries are edible when cooked and can be used to make jams, jellies, syrups, or wine.
• Height and Spread: This shrub typically grows to about 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) in height with a similar spread, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.

Black Lace thrives in well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, clay, or sandy soils. This plant performs best in full sun, which helps bring out the deepest purple color in its foliage. However, it can tolerate partial shade, though the foliage may appear more greenish in lower light conditions. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This will encourage a bushier habit and ensure better flowering.