Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up Or Strait-Laced'

Species

Sambucus nigraElderberry

5 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Laced Up Elderberry

Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up Or Strait-Laced'

The Story

Plant Bio

Sambucus nigra, or European elder, is a deciduous shrub known for its large, flat-topped clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers, which give way to glossy black berries.

Laced Up offers a unique columnar form, perfect for narrow spaces. Its finely dissected, near-black foliage provides dramatic color and texture from spring to fall, complemented by pink flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Its dramatic, dark, feathery foliage and narrow, upright habit make it a stunning vertical element in borders, containers, or as a specimen plant. The pink, lacy flowers add a delicate contrast in early summer.

The columnar shape is ideal for creating privacy screens in tight spaces where a traditional hedge would be too wide. It can be used to flank doorways or create formal garden accents.

The flowers are a valuable nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The subsequent black berries provide an important food source for birds in late summer and fall.

SpeciesSambucus nigraElderberry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Europe, Asia, North Africa

Toxicity

Berries are edible when cooked; all other parts are toxic.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun to part shade and moist soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill with soil, firming gently to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the darkest foliage color, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; color may fade to green in shadier spots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Prune after flowering if needed to maintain shape.
Plant another Sambucus nigra variety nearby for best fruit production.
Harvest berries only when they are fully ripe and black.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Avoid consuming raw berries or any other part of the plant.
Don't plant in deep shade, as foliage color will be poor.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic vertical accent for narrow spacesTextural foliage for container gardensStriking informal screen or hedge

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Sum and Substance'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Laced Up Elderberry questions

What zones can Laced Up Elderberry grow in?

Laced Up Elderberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Laced Up Elderberry deer resistant?

Yes — Laced Up Elderberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Laced Up Elderberry bloom?

Laced Up Elderberry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Laced Up Elderberry need full sun?

Laced Up Elderberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.