Elderberry Black Lace

Elderberry ‘Black Lace’ in bloom.

* Common name: Elderberry Black Lace(TM)

* Botanical name: Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’

* What it is: Unusual flowering shrub with almost black, sharply dissected leaves – similar to a cut-leaf Japanese maple. Gets dainty, pink umbrella-like clusters of flowers in June followed by some (not a ton of) black berries that birds love.

* Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, but can be kept smaller with annual early-spring pruning. Don’t hesitate to make a few in-season snips if it starts get too rangy for your taste. Shape it as you like.

* Where to use: Center stage! This is a star specimen for a house corner, the center of a front-yard bed or similar prominent spot. Full sun to part shade.

* Care: Prune to shape or control size in early spring and lighter as needed in summer. Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer at the same time. Prefers damp soil, so water in dry spells when young. Becomes more drought tolerant with age.

* Great partner: Anything low-growing and white, pink or silver at its feet, such as white petunias or vinca (annuals) or lamb’s ears or dianthus (perennials).

Closeup of nearly black, dissected leaves of ‘Black Lace.’