How to Grow Elderflower Black Lace
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Elderflower Black Lace
Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'
shrubElderflower Black Lace is a stunning ornamental cultivar of European black elder featuring deeply dissected, nearly black foliage that turns burgundy in fall. It produces fragrant pink-tinged white flowers in early summer, followed by dark purple-black berries. This deciduous shrub combines dramatic foliage with delicate blooms and is excellent for borders, hedgerows, and wildlife gardens.
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Example Elderflower Black Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Elderflower Black Lace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Elderflower Black Lace
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; hardy to zone 4b with winter protection
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Get my Elderflower Black Lace timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1Young shrub with emerging deeply lobed foliage, growth is vigorous
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Prune lightly to encourage bushy shape. Add mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2Shrub develops full height and spread with increasingly dark, lacy foliage. Stems thicken and mature.
Continue regular watering. Prune in late winter to shape and maintain desired size. Remove any all-green reversions immediately.
Flowering
4-6 weeks in early summerFlat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small, fragrant, pale pink-tinged white flowers appear at branch tips in May-June
Flowers appear on new growth; do not prune during flowering. Deadheading optional if you want berries to follow. Encourage pollinator visits.
Fruiting
August-SeptemberSmall glossy berries develop from flowers, ripening from green to dark purple-black in late summer to fall
Leave berries for wildlife and ornamental interest, or harvest for culinary use. Birds will strip berries as they ripen.
Dormancy
October-MarchFoliage turns deep burgundy-red in fall before dropping. Bare branches with dark stems visible in winter.
Prune in late winter (February-March) before spring growth. Remove dead or crossing branches. Cut back to 18-24 inches if hard pruning needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy infested branches. Keep tree healthy with proper watering and pruning to prevent stress.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Beneficial insects usually control populations.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Use miticide sprays if population is heavy. Prune affected branches.
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Improve air circulation through pruning. Remove infected leaves. Apply fungicide if widespread; avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Elderflower Cordial & Beverages
CulinaryElderflowers are traditionally used to make fragrant cordials, syrups, and wines. The delicate floral flavor can be infused into lemonades, teas, and cocktails. [source]
Elderberry Jams & Syrups
CulinaryThe dark berries are rich in vitamin C and traditionally made into jams, syrups, and medicinal tonics, particularly valued for immune support. [source]
Immune System Support
MedicinalElderflower and elderberry are traditionally used in herbal medicine to support immune function and respiratory health, particularly during cold and flu season. [source]
Ornamental Foliage & Flowers
HouseholdThe striking black lace foliage provides year-round ornamental interest, with delicate pink-white flowers adding ephemeral beauty and fragrance to gardens and landscapes. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeFragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; abundant berries are a crucial food source for migratory birds and wildlife in late summer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers can be harvested in early June when fully open but still pale pink; use fresh or dry for tea and cordials. Berries ripen in late August-September and can be harvested by cutting entire clusters; wear gloves as berries stain. Leave some berries for birds and for self-seeding. Both flowers and berries are best used when ripe.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Elderflower Black Lace foliage is so deeply dissected it appears nearly fern-like, making it one of the most ornamental elderberry cultivars available despite still producing edible flowers and berries.
- 🌱 Elder trees have been venerated in European folklore for centuries as protective and magical plants; some traditions held that planting elderwood near a home would ward off evil.
- 🌱 A single elderflower cluster can contain hundreds of tiny individual flowers, and a mature shrub may produce thousands of berries annually—enough to sustain entire flocks of migrating birds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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