Sambucus Black Lace
Best cold-hardy shrub for gardeners seeking dramatic, dark-foliage landscape accents.
Sambucus Black Lace® offers the dramatic look of a Japanese maple but thrives in colder climates, hardy through Zone 4. This Proven Winners® ColorChoice® shrub features deeply cut, charcoal-black foliage that maintains its color through summer heat. In early summer, it displays showy clusters of bright, creamy pink blooms, about 6 inches wide. Following the flowers, blackish-red berries appear, attracting songbirds to the garden. It is versatile enough for use as a hedge, border standout, foundation planting, or specimen. This variety provides ever-changing beauty and withstands cold winds and low temperatures well.
$31.20
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2688
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-21%
Below average
SKU
36998
Who it's for
- Wildlife lovers and foragers wanting multi-season garden interest
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast foliage and architectural texture
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, deer-resistant landscaping
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting a plant that stays within its original footprint
- Small-space gardeners wanting to avoid frequent, heavy pruning
- Shade-garden owners looking for deep purple foliage
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Thrives in harsh northern climates where Japanese maples often fail.
Visual Impact
Striking dark foliage provides a high-contrast focal point for any garden.
Wildlife Attraction
Produces berries that reliably draw songbirds into your backyard landscape.
Landscape Versatility
Adaptable form works equally well as a hedge or specimen plant.
Maintenance Ease
Requires moderate watering and standard care to maintain its mounding shape.
Seasonal Interest
Delivers a dynamic display from early summer blooms through berry production.
Key Specs
SKU
36998
Genus
Sambucus
Species
nigra
Variety
'Eva'
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
6 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Hardiness Zones
4 - 7
Features
- Dramatic charcoal-black foliage contrasts beautifully.
- Showy, creamy pink blooms in early summer.
- Attracts songbirds with edible berries.
- Hardy and resilient in cold climates (Zone 4).
- Excellent Japanese maple alternative.
- Versatile for hedges, borders, or specimen planting.
- Mound-shaped habit for landscape appeal.
What customers say
Customers are overwhelmingly positive about the Sambucus Black Lace, highlighting its exceptional aesthetic appeal. The deep purple, finely cut foliage provides dramatic contrast in the garden, making it a standout design element. Reviewers frequently note the plant's excellent quality and reliability, emphasizing its vigorous growth and hardiness even in challenging conditions. It establishes quickly and requires minimal fuss, delivering high visual impact without demanding expert care. This combination of stunning design and dependable performance makes it a highly recommended choice for gardeners seeking sophisticated color and texture.
Know before you buy
This shrub typically reaches a mature height of 6 feet with a spread of about 8 feet. Its mounding habit makes it a substantial presence in the landscape, so ensure you provide enough space for its full width.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for gardeners in colder climates where Japanese maples might struggle. It offers a similar delicate, deeply cut foliage aesthetic while being significantly more cold-hardy, surviving down to Zone 4.
While it can tolerate partial shade, planting it in full sun will help the charcoal-black foliage maintain its deepest, most dramatic color throughout the summer months.
While the berries are a favorite for songbirds, they are not intended for human consumption. They are primarily valued for their ability to attract wildlife to your garden.
The Sambucus Black Lace is not considered deer-resistant. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may want to protect the shrub with fencing or repellents.
Yes, it is container-friendly. Ensure you use a large pot with excellent drainage and keep up with regular watering, as container plants dry out faster than those planted directly in the ground.
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