12/06/2026
Shrub of the week: Black Lace Elder (Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace')
With this week's chilly temperatures, grey skies and persistent rain, it feels more like October than it does June! So it seemed fitting to feature the stunning Black Lace Elder, a shrub that brings autumn colours to the garden all summer long.
This hardy shrub requires little care apart from pruning to keep in check as can get to 10ft. The striking contrast between the pale pink of the delicate flowers and the black foliage makes this a show stopper in any garden, instantly grabbing deserved attention from human, insect and bird guests alike in your garden!
🧩Fun fact: Black Lace Elder is a cultivated variety of our native Elder. While the flowers can be used to make elderflower cordial and the berries can be cooked into jams and wines, it's the striking foliage that steals the show in this garden favourite!