Black Lace Elderberry
The Black Lace Elderberry, also known as Sambucus nigra 'Eva', is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8-10 feet tall and wide. It is prized for its dark purple-black foliage, which contrasts beautifully with its pink flowers in the early summer. The flowers are followed by clusters of ornamental black berries in the fall, which can be used for making jam or as a food source for birds. The Black Lace Elderberry is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits. It makes a great addition to any garden or landscape and can be used as a specimen plant, hedge, or screen.
Why do people choose a Black Lace Elderberry?
1. Attractive Foliage: The Black Lace Elderberry has deeply cut, dark purple foliage that is highly ornamental and adds an interesting texture to the landscape. 2. Showy Flowers: In the spring, the plant produces large clusters of pinkish-white flowers which contrast with the dark foliage and add a pop of color to the garden. 3. Edible Berries: In the summer, the plant produces clusters of small, dark purple berries that are edible and can be used for making jams, jellies, and syrups. 4. Low Maintenance: Once established, the Black Lace Elderberry is quite hardy and requires little maintenance. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate drought and cold temperatures. 5. Wildlife Attraction: The plant is also known to attract a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and birds, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape.
Is the care of a Black Lace Elderberry difficult?
The care of a Black Lace Elderberry is relatively easy. Here are some tips: 1. Soil: Black Lace Elderberry prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. 2. Sunlight: It thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, it may not grow well in deep shade. 3. Watering: Elderberry plants generally need regular watering during the first year to establish their root system. After that, they need watering only during prolonged droughts. 4. Pruning: The Black Lace Elderberry can benefit from pruning. Prune the plant to remove dead, damaged or diseased stems. This plant can be pruned in late winter or early spring. 5. Fertilizer: Fertilize your Black Lace Elderberry once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. 6. Pest and Disease Control: Black Lace Elderberry is vulnerable to aphids, spider mites, and borers. Using insecticidal soap can help control aphids and spider mites.
What are the characteristics of the Black Lace Elderberry?
The Black Lace Elderberry is a deciduous shrub that typically grows 6-8 feet tall and wide. It is known for its showy, lacy, purple-black foliage that lends a striking contrast to its pink flowers in the spring. Its leaves are deeply cut and resemble those of Japanese maple trees. Its fruits are blackish-red berries that attract birds. This plant is low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soils and light conditions.
What should the light be for a Black Lace Elderberry?
A Black Lace Elderberry should be grown in full sun to partial shade and prefer a soil that is kept consistently moist. When it comes to light requirements, a Black Lace Elderberry will grow best when planted in an area that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
What is the best soil type for a Black Lace Elderberry?
The best soil type for a Black Lace Elderberry is a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil and does well in loamy or sandy soils enriched with organic matter. It's important to avoid heavy clay soils with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
How should a Black Lace Elderberry be watered?
Black Lace Elderberry should be watered deeply to promote healthy root growth. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, elderberries prefer well-draining soil, so make sure excess water can drain away easily.
How should temperature and humidity be adjusted for a Black Lace Elderberry?
A Black Lace Elderberry prefers a cool and moist environment, with temperatures ranging between 60-75°F and humidity levels around 50-60%. It is important to avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can cause stress or damage to the plant. Additionally, adequate air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases and promote healthy growth.
How should fertilization be used for a Black Lace Elderberry?
Black Lace Elderberry should be fertilized once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. The fertilizer should be applied according to the package instructions and worked into the soil around the base of the plant. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting. Additionally, avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by winter weather.
How can a Black Lace Elderberry be multiplied?
A Black Lace Elderberry can be multiplied through hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, or by division of the root ball. For hardwood cuttings, take a 12-18 inch cutting from a healthy, disease-free stem in late fall after the leaves have dropped. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves or buds from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with moist potting soil. Keep the container in a cool, shaded area and mist the cutting regularly to keep it moist. For softwood cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, disease-free stem in early summer. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves or buds from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with moist potting soil. Keep the container in a warm, shaded area and mist the cutting regularly to keep it moist. To divide the root ball, dig up the elderberry plant in early spring or fall when it is dormant. Cut the root ball into sections, making sure each section has at least one stem. Replant the sections in a new location or container filled with moist potting soil.
What should be considered in the selection of a pot for a Black Lace Elderberry?
When selecting a pot for a Black Lace Elderberry, the following factors should be considered: 1. Size: The pot should be big enough to accommodate the plant and its roots. Elderberries grow to a height of 6-8 feet and have a spread of 5-6 feet, so the pot should be at least 18-24 inches deep and wide. 2. Material: The pot can be made of plastic or clay. Clay pots are more porous and allow for better drainage, but they can be heavy and breakable. Plastic pots are lightweight and durable, but they may not have good drainage holes. 3. Drainage: The pot should have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil. If the pot does not have drainage holes, they can be drilled into the bottom. 4. Soil: The soil in the pot should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. A good potting mix with perlite and vermiculite is recommended for elderberries. 5. Sunlight: Elderberries thrive in full sun to partial shade, so the pot should be placed in a sunny spot. 6. Watering: Elderberries require regular watering but do not like waterlogged soil, so the pot should have good drainage and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. 7. Fertilizing: Elderberries benefit from regular fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer, especially during the growing season.
How should a Black Lace Elderberry be pruned?
Black Lace Elderberry (Sambucus nigra 'Eva') should be pruned in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant. 1. Remove any diseased or damaged wood by cutting it off at its base. 2. Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to the ground level to encourage the growth of new, healthy branches. 3. Cut back any remaining stems by one-third to one-half of their length to promote bushiness and fullness. 4. Remove any suckers that grow up from the base of the plant as they can sap energy from the main stem. Regular pruning will help keep the plant healthy, increase its longevity, and promote a beautiful shape.
Is the Black Lace Elderberry poisonous? Are there any dangers to humans and animals from a Black Lace Elderberry?
The Black Lace Elderberry (Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace') is not considered highly toxic, but it is not recommended for consumption. Its leaves, stems, and unripe berries contain a small amount of a mildly toxic compound that can cause digestive distress if ingested in large quantities. The ripe, cooked berries are safe to eat in small amounts but should not be consumed raw. There are no known dangers to humans or animals from the Black Lace Elderberry plant, but it is still recommended to use caution when handling any plant material. As with any plant, it is important to wash your hands after handling the Black Lace Elderberry to avoid any potential skin irritation or allergic reaction.