Sambucus Nigra Black Lace

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Flowering Period: June
• Hardiness: H6
• Eventual Height: 2.5 – 4m
• Eventual Spread: 2.5 – 4m

Sambucus Nigra Black Lace, also known as ‘Elder Eva’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a large, bushy, deciduous shrub that is highly valued for its unique foliage and stunning appearance. This deciduous shrub belongs to the Viburnaceae family and has become a popular landscaping plant throughout the world due to its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.

One of the most distinctive features of this Sambucus is its striking dark purple-black foliage, which creates a dramatic contrast against the greenery of a garden or landscape. The leaves are deeply cut and have a lacy, delicate appearance, with a slightly glossy texture that adds to their visual appeal. The plant also produces clusters of pinkish-white flowers in the Summer, which are followed by small black berries that are highly attractive to birds.

It can reach a height and spread of up to 4 metres, making it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in a garden or as a specimen plant in a large container. It is also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types and growing conditions, although it prefers a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil.

How to care for your Sambucus Black Lace

• Planting: Choose a location that receives partial to full sun and has well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the plant, and add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its nutrient content. Plant the shrub at the same depth as it was growing in its container, and water thoroughly after planting.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, particularly during the plant’s first year of growth. Water deeply once a week or more frequently during periods of hot, dry weather. Avoid overhead watering, as this can cause fungal diseases.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early Spring before new growth appears. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can encourage too much foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
• Pruning: Prune the shrub in late Winter or early Spring, removing any dead or damaged wood and cutting back any old or weak growth. You can also remove up to one-third of the plant’s total growth to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.

By following these basic care guidelines, you can keep your Sambucus Black Lace healthy and looking beautiful year-round.