Latin name: Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’
Description: Elder is a well known shrub in our hedge rows, but there are several highly garden worthy forms and Sambucus niger is certainly one of them. If pollarded (cut to the ground) yearly it will produce up to 2m of fresh growth. ‘Black Lace’ makes a striking plant for the back of the border with its very finely cut, almost black foliage, which is the perfect foil to the pink-flushed blooms in early summer. Another favourite is ‘Aurea’ with golden yellow foliage followed by fragrant creamy white flowers in early summer. Both are great foils for dark green plants.
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 1.5-2.5m if pollarded yearly
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Soil: moist fertile soil
Water: fairly drought tolerant once established
Usage: On its own or at the back of a border
Thu, Apr 10, 2008
Architectural