Elderberry "Black Lace"

Does anyone know about or grow an elderberry called "Black Lace"? I think it would look marvelous in my yard but don't know how much sun it will take or how to grow it. I don't have much shade in my yard. Any help is appreciated.

Kwanjin

I have one and mine is in full sun. But my summers aren't as hot as yours, so in your area it may need a bit more shade. I'm not sure where I heard this, but I seem to recall that Sambucus in general does better with a little cooler temperatures, but I could be remembering wrong.

Thanks, ecrane, I heard about this plant a couple of years ago through a gardening magazine. I can't find anyone in my area who knows about it or has one.

I'll keep hoping someone around these parts will know.

Kwanjin

Kwanjin, hey it's me again.. ha ha
I actually purchased the black lace elderberry last year - we must have similar taste in plants. I liked it because it's unique, don't see it around much. I actually planted it in my front yard against the house, it is shady in the morning and receives hot middle of the day sun and does great!
It is especially hot due to the glare of the brick, grows well.

I love it, I did learn you have to keep it pruned, it gets scraggly, if you prune it it it fills in nicely and all the new growth is a light chartreuse, looks also against the deep dark almost black foliage. I purchased mine at J&J nursery in Layton.
I'd tell you I'd send you a pic, but you know how that goes!! ha ha

This message was edited Aug 14, 2007 5:11 PM

I'll cheat, this is what mine looks like, although from pruning I have lime green all over the tips.
Everybody always comments on it. It gets little pink flowers on it in the spring also.

Okay Flowerprincess. You got me sold on it. I might have to take a trip to Layton for it. Thanks for the pic. It's beautiful!!! I think I'll put it by this wall. It will look pretty next to the wisteria. This part stays in the shade of my neighbors tree until 10:30am or there abouts.

Kwanjin

I think it will look great there!

You will have to prune it end of season or early spring to keep it as a shrub, but if you do cut it back end of summer, then the birds miss out on the berries they send from the flowers, if you wait till early spring, then you will be able to cut out any damaged foliage/branches damaged by frost if you have any in your zones, these are wonderful colourful foliage plants and as well as the dark leaves, the flowers contrast well with the stems/foliage. watch the roots though as they do have a wide spreading root system over the years, however, keeping the top growth down to size may help contain this problem. go for it, they are lovely plants and the birds love them too. WeeNel.

Thanks Flower and Wee. The advice and input is very much appreciated.

Kwanjin