Bring bold, lacy texture to your landscape with Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace', a large deciduous shrub grown for its finely cut, deep purple-black foliage and soft pink, early-summer flower clusters. As the season progresses, it can also carry dark berries that add late-season interest and provide food for birds.
Plant it in full sun for the richest leaf color, though it also performs well in partial shade. Give it average to consistently moist, well-drained soil, and water regularly during establishment. Once settled, it is adaptable, but it looks best when you avoid letting the root zone dry out for long periods.
Mature size is typically around 5-6 feet tall and wide, making it a strong choice for a dramatic specimen, a loose privacy screen, or a mixed shrub border. Allow enough room for its natural, multi-stem habit, or keep it tighter with annual pruning.
Prune in late winter to early spring, removing older stems at the base to encourage fresh, vigorous growth and maintain an open, attractive framework. Pair its dark foliage with bright greens, silver leaves, or chartreuse companions for high contrast.