Sambucus nigra - the elder

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ has delicate finely cut leaves that really are almost black. This fantastic black leaved version of the Common Elder is a delight for any garden.

It grows to a height of around 600 cm and is perfect for the back of a border providing a foil to brighter colours in front. Its own flowers, produced in June, are a lovely pale pink set off perfectly by the black leaves.

In the autumn the leaves turn red and it produces dark red/black berries.

Very easy to grow Sambucus nigra tolerates almost any soil type and is fully hardy. It will grow in full sun or partial shade.

For the best leaves it is best to cut it down to the ground in early spring and apply a good layer of well rotted compost to the soil at the base of the plant.

To propagate the Elder take cuttings from June to August. Cut off young, vigorous growing tips and push into pots of compost. Use compost which is specially made for cuttings. Water well and for best results keep moist by covering the pot with a plastic bag.

For even blacker leaves look for Sambucus nigra ‘Gerda’.

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