Sambucus Nigra 'Laced Up' – Ornamental Elderberry Hardy Perennial Shrub

Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up' is a striking ornamental elderberry prized for its finely dissected, dark purple-black foliage and notably upright, columnar growth habit. Unlike many traditional elderberry varieties, 'Laced Up' maintains a narrow, compact form, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or as a stand-alone architectural feature. The deeply cut, lace-like leaves emerge dark and hold their rich colour throughout the growing season, particularly when planted in a sunny position.

In early summer, clusters of delicate pink-tinged flowers appear, contrasting beautifully against the dark foliage and providing a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. These blooms may be followed by small dark berries in autumn, adding further seasonal interest and attracting garden birds and wildlife.

'Laced Up' is a hardy, low-maintenance deciduous shrub that establishes well in most well-drained soils. It is tolerant of a range of conditions and, once established, requires minimal ongoing care beyond an optional annual prune to maintain shape and encourage fresh, vibrant new growth.

What's Included:

• 1 x Sambucus Nigra 'Laced Up' Plant


• Supplied in a 19cm pot (3 litre)


• Healthy, well-rooted specimen ready for planting out or potting on

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up'


• Common Names: Ornamental Elderberry, Laced Up Elder


• Classification: Hardy Deciduous Shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 2.5–3m height x 1–1.5m spread


• Growth Habit: Upright, Columnar, Compact Deciduous Shrub


• Perfect For: Borders, Specimen Planting, Small Gardens, Cottage Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Containers


• Flowering Time: Early Summer (clusters of pink-tinged flowers)


• Berrying Season: Autumn (small dark berries)


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade (best foliage colour in full sun)


• Soil Type: Most well-drained soils, tolerant of a range of conditions


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds and Garden Wildlife


• Type: Hardy Deciduous Perennial Shrub


• Foliage: Finely Dissected, Dark Purple-Black Lace-Like Leaves


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy


• Pruning: Optional annual prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape

Planting Tips:

• Plant in a position that receives full sun for the deepest foliage colour; partial shade is tolerated but leaves may appear greener.


• Prepare the planting hole to roughly twice the width of the root ball and mix in organic matter to help the plant establish.


• Water well after planting and regularly during the first growing season until established.


• Apply a mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Notes: This listing is for the Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up' variety, known for its distinctive columnar habit and finely cut dark foliage.