Sambucus Black Lace

Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’ (Black Lace) is a dramatic, deciduous elder with finely cut, deep purple-black foliage that provides strong contrast all season. In early summer it carries broad, flattened clusters of pale pink flowers, which may be followed by dark berries later. Best foliage colour is achieved in full sun, though it also performs well in light shade. A vigorous, hardy shrub for Irish gardens, it makes a striking focal point or backdrop and typically reaches up to about 3m in height and spread in time, in moist but well‑drained, moderately fertile soil (tolerating chalk).

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Vigorous

Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile; tolerates chalk

Hardiness: Fully hardy in Ireland

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Plant at a Glance