Plant Record

Cultural/Growing Information

pH: B (5.8 - 6.2)

EC (2:1 Extraction Method): B (0.6 - 0.9)

Fertilization Recommendations: M (150-200 ppm)

Rooting Out: A (65-72°F or 18-22°C)

Growing On: A (60-65°F or 16-18°C)

Holding Temperature: (40-50°F or 4-10°C)

Light Levels: Moderate to High

Water Requirements: Moderate to Moist

Pinching/Growth Regulators: Really benefits from frequent pinching or shearing. NOTE: a hard shearing once the summer heat arrives will shut down all new growth until cool nights arrive in early fall. (September in Michigan)

Pest and Disease Management: General disease and pest practices as lsited in notes. Aphids, Spider Mites, Cercospora can be problematic. Spray on a regular rotation with a fungicide to control .

Grower Tips:

-Do not prune too hard. Very hard pruning will promote horizontal growth. Light tip pruning or shearing is best. -Indoor finishing will produce lighter colored foliage. Plants finished outdoors in cooler temperatures will have a dark purple/black foliage. -Black Lace is a softer growing plant than Black Beauty.

Special Notes: -When going direct to a 3 gallon watch the watering so as not to keep too wet. -Black Lace can be treated as a perennial and cut back or thinned out after it blooms. -Poly grown plants will have lighter colored foliage.

Vernalization: Required

Spring Outdoor Finish?: C - Last to go outside

Over wintering Temperature (Zones 2-7): polyhouse

Shade Requirements: Light shade in summer heat (High light for darkest

Heat Zone (high to low): 8-6

Type: Deciduous

Flowers On: Old Wood

Planting & Timing Information (Nursery): Spring to Fall, 1 ppp

Planting & Timing Information (Greenhouse): Spring to Fall, 1 ppp

1 GL or 8"/ 50 tray (Greenhouse): 9-12 weeks, 1-2 pinches (will grow more slowly in summer production)

1GL or 8"/ 2.25" (Greenhouse): 6-8 weeks, 1-2 pinches

1 GL or 8"/ 2.25" - Pinch (Nursery) 6-8 weeks, 2 pinches

1 GL or 8"/ 2.25" - Shear (Nursery) 8-10 weeks, 2 shears

1 GL or 8" / Quick Turn - Pinch (5" liner) (Nursery): 4-6 weeks, 1 pinch

1 GL or 8" / Quick Turn - Shear (5" liner) (Nursery) 4-6 weeks, 1shear

2 GL / 2.25" - Pinch (Nursery): 12-14 weeks, 2-3 pinches

2 GL / 2.25" - Shear (Nursery): 14-18 weeks, 2-3 shears

3 GL / 2.25" - Pinch (Nursery): 14-16 weeks, 3-4 pinches

3 GL / 2.25" - Shear (Nursery): 16-20 weeks, 3-4 shears

3 GL / Quick Turn - Pinch (5" liner) (Nursery): 10-12 weeks, 3-4 pinches

3 GL / Quick Turn - Shear (5" liner) (Nursery): 12-16 weeks, 3-4 shears

3 GL / 1 gallon shift - Pinch (Nursery): 6-8 weeks, 2-3 pinches

3 GL / 1 gallon shift - Shear (Nursery): 8-12 weeks, 2-3 shears

5 GL / 1 gallon shift - Pinch (Nursery): 10-14 weeks, 3-4

5 GL / 1 gallon shift - Shear (Nursery): 16-20 weeks, 3-4 shears

General Information

Description
BLACK LACE™ is a stunning development in Elderberry breeding. Intense purple black foliage is finely cut, giving it an effect similar to that of Japanese maple. Indeed, some designers are using it in place of the more sensitive acer varieties since BLACK LACE™ is extremely durable and adaptable. Creamy pink flowers in spring contrast nicely with the dark leaves. They are followed by blackish red fall berries which can be harvested for making elderberry wine and jam, or left on the plant to attract birds and other wildlife. BLACK LACE™ is very cold hardy and easy to grow, and adaptable to most sites. Full sun is needed for the best color. It can be used as a dramatic accent plant, planted en masse for a trouble free high hedge, or incorporated into the mixed or perennial border. Left alone it will reach up to 8 feet in height, but BLACK LACE™ can also be pruned back each year to fit into more formal settings.

Consumer Comment:
Wow, what a shrub! It is beautiful and unique. When I saw it at a local garden center, I fell in love with it and just had to buy one. The garden center only had 6 of them and they sold out very fast. I planted mine this spring and it has almost tripled in size. I love the deep purple/black leaves and I can't wait until it flowers. I always look for plants and shrubs that are very different and this Black Lace is a one of a kind. I get tons of compliments about the shrub from all of my neighbors and everyone wants one. Thanks for this new and stunning shrub. You definitely have a top notch winner!
T Cook, OH

Growing Tips
According to the Humane Society of American Sambucus leaves, bark, roots, and buds can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

Best in moist soil although will tolerate dry soils. Thrives under acid or alkaline soils. Best if pruned immediately after blooming. May be pruned to the ground each year and treated like a perennial. This plant will benefit from a good hard pruning as a young plant. Plants set flower buds the summer prior to blooming. Best with high moisture. Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the recommended rate of application.

Exposure
Plant in sun or partial shade

Height
72-96"

Spacing
84-108"

Hardy Temp
-30°F (-34°C)

Zone(s)
4-7

Uses
Great as a shrub in the landscape or as a potted shrub on the patio. Good in groupings or masses, or perennial and shrub borders. Makes a nice specimen or screen. Tough enough for roadsides or naturalizing. Good in wet soils. This is an excellent, e

Features
Distinctive lacy foliage all season and soft pink early summer flowers. Trim to shape after flowering. Season long color and texture. Fall fruit attracts birds. Deer resistant.

Patent:
Sambucus BLACK LACE™ 'Eva ™' PP15575 Patented; 2633 Patented

There are no other plants in this series

Awards Won

2006 - Top New Variety
  -ANLA Management Clinic
2006 - Best New Variety
  -ANLA Management Clinic
2006 - Excellent Rating
  -Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank
2005 - 12 New Shrubs
  -People, Places and Plants
2005 - Top Pick
  -Garden Gate Magazine
- Silver Medal
  -Royal Boskoop Horticulture Society