Fleur de Jour: Black Lace Elderberry {Sambucus nigra 'Eva'}

Let’s talk texture. Landscape texture is not solely limited to the feeling of the foliage.  It encompasses so much more.  Landscape texture can vary with light, shadow and viewing distance.  A combination of textures is best. An abundance of either fine or bold textures will become overwhelming.

I love the texture of lace-leaf Japanese maples. The foliage is unique, light, and airy.  In addition to the finely cut leaves, Japanese maples are available in bright greens, reds, and dark purples.  These slow-growing trees aren’t for every garden though.  They can be fairly tender here in my zone, making them susceptible to winterkill and they’re leaves can burn in the scalding summer sun. Also, Japanese maples are acid lovers, and require soil amendments.

So, I’d love to share with you a more maintenance friendly version of lace-leaf texture: the Black Lace Elderberry.  Unlike a Japanese maple, the elderberry will thrive in full sun. It prefers a moist soil, but will tolerate drier conditions as well.  In addition to the delicate, dark purple leaves, this elderberry will flower with creamy pink blossoms each spring.  Yet another bonus, if the blossoms are left they will produce fruit in the fall, perfect for harvest and a batch of elderberry jam. 

Although this elderberry can reach up to 8 feet, it can be heavily pruned for a more formal garden setting.  This shrub can be treated like a perennial and be cut clear the ground every fall, however heavy pruning could compromise the number of blossoms. For more texture, check out last week's Japanese forest grass post.  

USDA Zones: 4-7
Height: 6-8’
Width: 6-8’
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: prefers moist, well-drained soil

photo: Monrovia