Elderberry, Black Lace #3,
Black Lace Elderberry
Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'
- Height: Typically 6–8 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
- Spread: Approximately 6–8 feet wide
- Spacing: Plant 6–8 feet apart for a neat, textural grouping
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Deciduous
Description
Black Lace Elderberry is a striking addition to any Michigan landscape, celebrated for its intensely purple-black, lacy foliage that looks as if it were delicately cut like lace. In early summer, this unique shrub surprises with clusters of soft pink flowers that offer a subtle, pleasing fragrance and create a stunning contrast against its dark leaves. Following the bloom, it produces small, nearly black berries with a tart flavor that can be transformed into delicious jams, jellies, wines, or syrups. To ensure robust fruit set, pair it with a compatible pollinator such as Black Beauty, Instant Karma, or Laced Up elderberry. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for borders, container plantings, or as a standout specimen in a mixed landscape.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of direct light daily for optimal flowering and fruit production.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish a healthy root system; once established, occasional watering during extended dry periods
- Mulching: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base helps conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperatures, ensuring healthy root development while leaving a small gap around the plant for airflow.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required; remove spent flower clusters in early summer to maintain a tidy form and promote subsequent fruiting.
Black Lace Elderberry brings a stunning, uplifting accent to Michigan landscapes, delivering refined, textural beauty and a fresh splash of seasonal interest that truly elevates any outdoor space.
