Sambucus ‘Nigra Black Lace Elderberry’ — Deciduous Shrub, Bee-Friendly, 3L Pot
Sambucus ‘Nigra Black Lace Elderberry’ — Deciduous Shrub, Bee-Friendly, 3L Pot
Sambucus ‘Nigra Black Lace Elderberry’ — a hardy garden shrub with flowering early to mid summer. A reliable nectar source for bees and pollinators. Supplied as an established specimen in a 3L pot, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Deciduous Shrub
- Mature size: Up to 3m × 3m
- Flowering: Early to Mid Summer (pink-tinged, lemon-scented flower clusters)
- Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade (best foliage colour achieved in full sun)
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds & Garden Wildlife
- Supplied as: Single plant in a 3L pot
The detail
Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' (syn. 'Eva') is a stunning deciduous shrub prized for its deeply dissected, dark purple-black foliage that closely resembles that of a Japanese maple. In early summer, clusters of pink-budded flowers open to reveal delicate, lemon-scented, creamy-pink blooms, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark leaves. These are followed by dark purple-black berries in autumn, which are highly attractive to birds and wildlife.
This hardy and versatile shrub makes an excellent focal point in borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes. It is equally suited to use as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed hedge. 'Black Lace' is easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of soils, and responds well to hard pruning if a more compact shape is desired.
Why ours
Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.
How to grow
| Botanical name | Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' (syn. 'Eva') |
| Mature size | Up to 3m × 3m |
| Growth habit | Upright, Bushy Deciduous Shrub |
| Position | Full Sun to Partial Shade (best foliage colour achieved in full sun) |
| Soil | Moist, Well-Drained; Tolerant of Most Soil Types |
| Flowering | Early to Mid Summer (pink-tinged, lemon-scented flower clusters) |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy (RHS H7) |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds & Garden Wildlife |
| Best for | Borders, Cottage Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Specimen Planting, Mixed Hedging |
Frequently asked
How big will it grow?
Up to 3m × 3m. Most established shrubs reach mature size within 3–5 years.
When should I plant it?
Container-grown shrubs can be planted year-round in the UK, but autumn and spring give the best establishment. Avoid planting in extreme heat or frozen ground.
When does it flower?
Expect flowers from early to mid summer (pink-tinged, lemon-scented flower clusters).
What size pot does it arrive in?
Supplied as a single specimen in 3L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.