How to Grow Black Lace Elderberry Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2025

Black lace elderberry bush is a flowering plant that is native to North America. The plant has dark green leaves and small, black berries. The berries are edible and can be used to make jam, pies, and wine.

How to Grow Black Lace Elderberry Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Sambucus nigra
Black elderberry
European elderberry
Common elderberry
Elder

Good to Know

The black lace elderberry bush (Sambucus nigra "Black Lace") is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
It has dark purple leaves with a lacy texture that give the plant its name.
The bush produces small white flowers in the spring that are followed by black berries in the summer.
The berries are edible and can be used in pies and jams, or simply eaten fresh off the bush.
The black lace elderberry bush is native to Europe and was introduced to North America in the early 1800s.
It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun or partial shade.
The bush is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but will produce more berries if given regular watering during dry periods.
The black lace elderberry bush is not particular about soil type, but prefers a well-drained location.
It is relatively pest- and disease-free, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.
The black lace elderberry bush can be propagated from seed, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings.

Related plant:
Buddleja Black Knight

Growing Steps

For black lace elderberry bush, first step is to find a location where the bush will get at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Black lace elderberry bush does best in soil that is rich in organic matter.
Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting the bush.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the bushs root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the roots of the bush before placing it in the hole.
Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
Water the bush deeply immediately after planting.
Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the bush, being careful not to pile it up against the stem.
Water the bush regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilize the bush in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Diervilla Kodiak Black

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, black lace elderberry bush prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It does not tolerate shade well. The bush is fairly drought tolerant once it is established.

Light requirement

So, like the other elderberry bushes, the black lace elderberry bush requires full sun in order to produce the most fruit. If you plant this bush in an area that doesn't get enough sun, it will still grow, but it won't produce as much fruit.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are perfect for the black lace elderberry bush are a bit warm during the day and cool at night. These conditions allow the elderberry bush to thrive and produce healthy, delicious fruit. The elderberry bush is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperature conditions, but it will produce the best fruit when the temperature is perfect.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. The plant prefers filtered sunlight and well-drained, loamy soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay. Black lace elderberry bush is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-8 tall with a spread of 4-6 wide. clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers appear in late spring, giving way to small, black berries that ripen in late summer and provide excellent fall and winter interest.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this type of plant prefers, should be low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus. An all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 is a good choice. Be sure to apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The root system of a black lace elderberry bush is relatively shallow. Therefore, it is important to water regularly and deeply to encourage deep root growth.

Plant Pruning

Pruning black lace elderberry bushes is important to maintaining the plant's shape and size. Without regular pruning, the bush can become overgrown and unmanageable. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to keep the bush healthy and looking its best.

The Propagation

Propagation is generally done through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-drained potting mix and water well. Keep the cutting moist but not wet and in a protected location out of direct sun. Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, water it well and fertilize monthly. Transplant to a permanent location in the fall.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 to 24 inches per year. Some may grow a little faster or slower depending on the growing conditions. The soil should be well drained and the plant should be in full sun to partial shade.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, rosemary beetles, and powdery mildew. For scale, you can try horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For rosemary beetles, you can try insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin. For powdery mildew, you can try sulfur, neem oil, or fungicidal soap.

Growing Tips

Do not forget to water your black lace elderberry bush regularly. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Fertilize your black lace elderberry bush every spring with a high-quality organic fertilizer.
Prune your black lace elderberry bush in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Place your black lace elderberry bush in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat problems immediately with the appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
Cut back the entire plant by about one-third after flowering is finished for the season.
Divide your black lace elderberry bush every 3-4 years to keep it healthy and promote new growth.
Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make clean, sharp cuts when pruning or dividing