Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' is an incredibly striking deciduous shrub. Also known as 'Black Elder', this variety couldn't be more different to its common counterpart. Featuring flattened clusters of tiny, pink, fragrant flowers on long black stems over deep-purple black slender leaves, this is indeed a shrub of intense contrasts and unusual foliage which makes it incredibly eye-catching and unique. It blooms in early summer and as the season progresses into autumn, the dark and dramatic foliage becomes a brighter red and small, red-black, edible berries develop which are adored by birds.
Sambucus 'Black Lace' is highly regarded and a favourite with both garden designers and your average gardener alike for its unique visual appeal. A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this colourful and stylish addition to the garden is perfect for shrub borders, beds or as a stand-alone specimen plan. It offers wonderful texture, colour, fragrance and fruits and is a wildlife magnet for birds, bees and other pollinators. The edible flowers can also be used to make a pink cordial or even Elderflower wine!
Even though it has a delicate appearance, Sambucus 'Black Lace is fully hardy in the UK. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded position but the more sun, the greater the intensity of colour on the foliage. Plant in moist, well-drained soil of any type and give it room to grow as it can reach a height and spread of 4m x 4m and so is considered a large shrub when fully grown. However, this lovely shrub will tolerate a hard prune should you wish to keep it more compact.
Sambucus 'Black Lace' requires little pruning. Tidy in early spring if needed and remove any diseased or damaged shoots. Apply a mulch or manure annually in spring after pruning to help the plant recover and aid healthy growth for the coming season.
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| All Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £14.99 delivery charge (orders up to £60incl VAT) | Orders of £60 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots (10L+), trees etc) | £60.00 delivery charge (orders up to £350 incl VAT) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450.00 delivery charge (orders up to £1500 incl VAT) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall or large plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.).
Delivery Time - Please note that delivery times are currently 2-7 days excluding bank holidays. *Some troughs, trees and premium products may take up to 14 days delivery. We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible to deliver new orders within this timescale.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time).
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care.
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
Nominated Day Delivery
Choose a delivery day that suits you with our new Nominated Day Delivery option at checkout. Whilst our standard no signature delivery means you don't need to take time away from other committments to receive your order, we understand that there are times our customers want to make sure they are present to accept delivery, either to plant straight away or to store somewhere safe and out of the way until you're ready to plant.
For an additional fee, you can make sure that your order arrives on the exact day you want it. Please note that this is additional charge to all qualifying orders, including those above the free delivery threshold for Standard Delivery.
Our Nominated Day Delivery is available year-round on the weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding the day after any bank holiday.
Some products are sent direct from our suppliers and as such are not available for Nominated Day Delivery. These include:- Cell Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Trough Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Hedging Screens- Premium Root Balls (250cm and above in height)- Turf
To book your Nominated Day Delivery for farther ahead than the delivery window available online, please contact our Sales & Advice team to discuss your options.
