Black Lace® elderberry is the trademarked commercial form of a single black elderberry cultivar, Sambucus nigra Eva. It is a popular ornamental shrub for landscaping but not the best choice if the goal is edible berries. The beauty of this cultivar begins with the namesake leaves, which are, indeed, lacy (deeply lobed) and almost black (a very dark purple). The plant also produces pretty, light-pink, fragrant (lemon-scented) flowers, which appear in flat-topped clusters. These flowers produce richly black, glossy berries by autumn. Although the berries are edible and high in Vitamin C, this European type is more often grown as a foliage plant— American elderberry is the better choice if you want to harvest elderberries for the production of food and drink.
At the southern end of its range, it can be planted in spring or fall. But, at the northern end of its range, plant in spring to give it time to establish before the next winter arrives. Elderberry shrubs are generally planted as container-grown nursery plants or balled-and-burlapped plants in fall or early spring. Elderberries are fast-growing shrubs, often reaching full size and producing berries in their first year. While not regarded as invasive, elderberry is an aggressive spreader that will require regular removal of suckers if you want to keep it from spreading.
The Black Lace elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’) is an ornamental variety of elderberry prized for its striking dark purple, finely cut foliage. This popular variety is also known for its rapid growth rate, especially in the first few years after planting. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the growth habits of Black Lace elderberry and provide tips for caring for this fast-growing shrub.
An Overview of Black Lace Elderberry
Native to Europe, the species Sambucus nigra includes a range of ornamental cultivars grown for their attractive foliage and growth habits. Black Lace is one of the most popular of these elderberry cultivars. It was introduced into the nursery trade in Europe around 1944 and has since become a garden favorite across Europe, North America, and other temperate regions.
The Black Lace elderberry is valued for the following qualities:
- Deep purple, finely cut, lacy foliage that provides unique texture and contrast to landscapes
- Light pink flowers in spring/early summer followed by clusters of black berries (often not produced abundantly)
- Upright, vase-shaped form reaching 6-8 feet tall and wide
- Vigorous, fast growth rate, especially in first 3 years
- Greater sun and heat tolerance than other dark-leafed elders
- Attracts pollinators and birds
- Durability and adaptability to various conditions
- Works well in borders, groupings, foundation plantings, and containers
While native elderberry shrubs (S. canadensis, S. cerulea) produce edible berries, Black Lace is grown mainly as an ornamental plant not for fruit production. It is also deer resistant.
The Rapid Growth Habit of Black Lace Elderberry
One of the trademark qualities of the Black Lace elderberry is its fast growth rate, particularly during the first three years after planting. Here are some key facts about the vigorous growth rate of this variety:
- Under ideal conditions, Black Lace can grow up to 5 feet (60 inches) in the first year after planting.
- In the second and third years, an additional 1-2 feet of growth per year is common.
- The shrub often achieves its mature size of 6-8 feet in height and width within 3 years of planting.
- Once mature, the growth rate slows to a steady but moderate pace of less than 12 inches per year.
- While quick to establish, Black Lace can have a long productive lifespan of 20 years or more with proper care.
The fast-growing nature of Black Lace must be considered when siting this plant in the landscape. Be sure to leave adequate room for the shrub to reach maturity without needing excessive pruning to control size. The rapid growth also means you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous dark foliage quickly after planting.
Factors Affecting the Growth Rate
While Black Lace elderberry is genetically predisposed to fast growth, its actual growth rate can be impacted by various environmental factors:
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Sunlight – Full sun encourages the most vigorous growth. In part shade, plants may grow slower.
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Soil – Moist fertile soil results in optimal growth. Sandy or clay soil can restrict growth.
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Water – Consistent watering is key. Drought stress will slow growth.
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Temperature – Warm climates with long growing seasons promote faster growth
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Pruning – Annual pruning or radical renewal pruning helps maintain vigor.
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Fertilization – Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring spurs growth.
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Plant health – Preventing/treating pests/diseases ensures unhindered growth.
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Pollination – Cross-pollination can boost vigor but isn’t critical.
Ensuring optimal conditions will allow your Black Lace elder to grow at its genetically predisposed rapid rate.
Caring for Your Fast-Growing Black Lace Elder
Here are some tips for caring for your Black Lace elderberry to encourage healthy, vigorous growth:
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Site in full sun – The more sun, the better the growth
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Plant in fertile soil – Improve native soil with compost or aged manure
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Water 1-2 inches per week – Provide supplemental water in periods of drought
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Fertilize in early spring – Use a balanced, slow-release formula
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Mulch around plant – Mulch helps retain soil moisture and nutrients
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Prune annually – Prune each spring to shape and thin out older stems
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Check for pests – Watch for aphids, borers and other potential pests
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Remove spent flowers – Deadheading may encourage more vigorous growth
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Protect roots in winter – Insulate root zone from harsh cold (in colder climates)
With the right care, your Black Lace elderberry will reward you with its gorgeous dark foliage quickly thanks to its naturally fast growth rate. Proper siting and pruning will be necessary to keep its size in check. But in the right spot, it can provide years of easy, low-maintenance enjoyment.
So if you’re looking for a shrub with standout qualities to make a statement fast, be sure to consider the Black Lace elderberry. Let us know if you have any other questions about the growth rate or care for this beautiful, versatile shrub.
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Types of Black Elderberry
In addition to the trademarked Black Lace® form of this plant, there are several other cultivars of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), including:
- Laced Up®: This copyright-protected form has feathery purple-black foliage and grows with a columnar growth habit to a height of 6 to 10 feet.
- Marginata: This variety has green leaves with creamy white margins. It has white flowers and grows 6 to 12 feet tall.
- Aureomarginiata: This variegated form has medium green leaves with golden yellow margins; it grows 6 to 12 feet tall.
- Instant Karma®: This is a copyright-protected variety with blue-green leaves variegated with creamy white margins. It grows 6 to 8 feet tall.
- Black Beauty®: This copyright-protected variety has deep purple foliage on plants that grow 8 to 15 feet tall.
Pruning
Most authorities recommend that elderberries not be pruned at all for the first two years, as the plant develops a full growth habit. After this, its best to prune the shrub in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Keep in mind that the plant blooms and produces fruit on new growth, so you should avoid pruning after this growth has begun. Pruning this shrub will keep it vigorous, attractive, and reduce its spread.
As the woody stems of the plant get older, they become weaker and less attractive. Removing these older stems will direct more energy into the newer, more attractive stems.
Like other varieties, Black Lace® elderberry can spread via suckers. Prune out the suckers when you find them if you want to keep the plant from spreading. If you do not mind having the plant spread, you have the option of allowing the suckers to grow to create an informal hedge, screen, or thicket.
Proven Winners Black Lace Elderberry ‘Garden Answer’ Laura Reston Farm Garden Market
FAQ
Does black lace elderberry grow fast?
Elderberries are fast-growing shrubs, often reaching full size and producing berries in their first year.
How fast does elderberry grow?
Elderberry has a moderate to fast growth rate. A typical garden setting will usually see growth from 1 – 2 feet per year. An ideal settings with plenty of moisture and sunlight can see growth of 2 – 3 feet per year.
Where should I plant my black lace elderberry?
- 6-10 feet tall and wide at maturity.
- Hardy in zones 4-7, be sure to check your USDA zone to ensure success.
- Plant in part to full sun (4+ hours daily)
- Space plants 6-10 feet apart for best results.
Can black lace elderberry be kept small?
Both the flowers and berries can be used for refreshing drinks. It grows into a bush 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, but it can easily be kept more compact with an annual hard pruning. Grow the Black Lace® Elderberry in full sun or light shade.
How long does a black lace elderberry take to grow?
While not the quickest growing shrub, you can expect your black lace plant to achieve its full mature size of 6-8 feet tall and wide within 5-7 years. With its compact, upright habit and stunning dissected purple foliage, black lace elderberry is prized primarily for its ornamental qualities rather than fruit production.
Does Black Lace elderberry grow pink?
Follow the label for the recommended rate of application. The color on Black Lace elderberry is best in cool climates; in hot areas, it may grow primarily green foliage. Proven Winners – Black Lace® – Elderberry – Sambucus nigra pink plant details, information and resources.
Can Black Lace elderberry spread?
Like other varieties, Black Lace® elderberry can spread via suckers. Prune out the suckers when you find them if you want to keep the plant from spreading. If you do not mind having the plant spread, you have the option of allowing the suckers to grow to create an informal hedge, screen, or thicket.
When should you plant Black Lace elderberry?
Overall, the Black Lace® Elderberry is not just an aesthetically pleasing choice but also offers practical benefits and versatility in various landscaping applications. Timing: Plant in early spring or fall to give the plant enough time to establish its root system before extreme temperatures.
Why is my black lace elderberry not blooming?
The plant gives off a sweet anise scent. If your Black Lace® elderberry does not bloom to your satisfaction, look to one of these causes: The shrub has been pruned too late, removing the new wood that produces the current season’s flowers. This shrub should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
What is the difference between black lace and Black Beauty elderberry?
Black lace and black beauty elderberry offer similar ornamental appeal but some key differences: Black lace – More compact at 5-8 feet tall and wide. Delicate lacy foliage. Less fruit. Black beauty – Larger at 8-12 feet tall. Broader leaves. Produces abundant fruit clusters. Hardiness – Black lace to zone 4. Black beauty to zone 3.