Sambucus Black Lace®

Love Japanese maples but live too far north to grow them? Let Sambucus Black Lace® be the gorgeous substitute. With its deeply cut leaves of charcoal, PLUS 6-inch clusters of blooms and vibrant autumn berries, this ever-changing beauty is the showpiece of any hedge, border, foundation, or specimen planting.

The foliage is so divided that it has a ferny, lacy look. It emerges rich black and keeps its color right through summer's heat, playing backdrop in early summer to masses of deep pink buds that open to bright, creamy pink blooms. The flowers are held in clusters about 6 inches wide—very showy indeed against the charcoal foliage.

The early-summer flowers are followed by blackish-red berries that stand out beautifully against the leaves as summer turns to fall. The berries attract songbirds to this shrub, adding even more color to the garden. You can't beat Black Lace™ for ever-changing beauty.

This remarkable breeding breakthrough is the result of 10 years' breeding work, and has already created a sensation in Western Europe, where it is the shrub to grow these days. Black Lace™ gives you all the beauty of a Japanese maple, yet is hardy through zone 4 in the north. It withstands cold winds, very low temperatures, and even partial shade without losing a bit of its appeal.

Sambucus Black Lace® would make a perfect hedge, foundation planting, border standout, or specimen. It reaches 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, a good size for a variety of landscape uses. Design a garden display around its black leaves and early summer flowers, and it may become a favorite in YOUR landscape.