Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' (Elder, 'Black Lace') Herb Plant

Elder, 'Black Lace' (Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace') Herb in 2 litre Pot 

The elder, or Sambucus nigra is a beautiful deciduous shrub which can grow to 10m tall. A native to Britain and Europe, the Sambucus nigra or common elder will flourish in a British climate and can be found in many a hedgerow.

This hardy black leaved variety will add a touch of glamour to the garden with its distinctive fine-leaved purple foliage and flat white flower heads in early summer, followed by dark purple berries in the autumn. 

Preferring well-drained, humus rich soil, elder will do well in sun or partial shade, and will need to be cut back in late autumn to prevent it from becoming too dominant in a garden setting.

Herb Usage

The flowers and berries of the native elder can be harvested before they fade and used in cooking: use the flowers to make Elderflower cordial or add flowers to gooseberries , fritters and sorbets to add flavour. The berries are added to blackberry jam or made into a syrup for treating colds. They can also be made into a wine. This Black version is really better suited as an ornamental plant, and the native elderflowers and berries are best foraged for cooking. 

CAUTION: All parts of the fresh plant are toxic and flowers and berries can only be used once cooked.

Buy Elder 'Black Lace' Online

Our Elder 'Black Lace' herb plants are generally available to buy online between March and September.