Black Lace Elderberry

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’

Black Lace® Elderberry is a stunning ornamental shrub with deep purple-black, finely cut foliage that resembles a Japanese maple. It produces soft pink flowers in early summer, followed by dark purple berries in late summer if a pollinator elderberry is nearby. This cold-hardy (Zone 4-7), fast-growing, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance shrub is perfect for borders, specimen plantings, hedges, and wildlife gardens in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 4-7 (may need winter protection in colder Zone 3 areas)
• Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (up to 24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly acidic soils.
  • Avoid standing water—elderberries dislike wet feet.
• Spacing: 6-8 feet apart for mass planting, 8+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Water weekly during dry periods, but plants can tolerate short droughts.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but must have good drainage.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to promote fresh, healthy growth.
  • Cut back by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
  • Older shrubs can be rejuvenated by cutting back to 12 inches above the ground every few years.

Flowers, Berries & Pollination

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June)
• Flower Color: Soft pink clusters contrast beautifully with dark foliage
• Berry Production: Dark purple berries appear in late summer but require a second elderberry variety nearby for pollination (e.g., Sambucus nigra ‘Instant Karma’ or ‘Black Beauty’).
• Attracts: Pollinators (bees, butterflies) and birds

Note: Berries are edible when fully ripe but should be cooked before consumption. Raw berries may cause stomach discomfort.

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, drought, and urban pollution

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Hardy in Zone 4, but in Zone 3 areas, mulch around the base (2-4 inches) for extra insulation.
• If heavy snowfall is common, avoid planting in high-exposure areas where branches could break.
• Rodent Protection: Use tree guards if small animals are a concern in winter.

Landscape Uses

Great for borders, mixed plantings, and specimen plantings
Striking dark foliage provides season-long interest
Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly
Can be pruned into a hedge or left in a natural shape
Berries can be used for jams, syrups, and wine (if properly cooked)

Additional Notes:

• Black Lace® Elderberry is one of the most visually striking elderberries, offering deep purple foliage similar to a Japanese maple with pink flowers and ornamental berries.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in modern landscapes, cottage gardens, or as a hedge.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners