Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Lace®

This highly cultivated form of the familiar Black Elder is primarily a foliage plant whose deeply cut, purple-black leaves present themselves in graceful, fern-like fans. Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Lace® plants are broadly arching and reach 6–8' in height, perhaps 5' wide, and make superb specimens for many situations. Large pink flowers in June lead, in due course, to black berries which are beloved by birds (for humans, the berries are toxic when raw but are edible, and even medicinal, when cooked). Because plants are hardy through all of Zone 5, and into 4, they provide a very welcome alternative to Japanese Maples where exquisite foliage is needed but harsh temperatures prevail. For best shape and foliage, prune hard in early spring and provide even moisture. The color is best in cool climates and foliage may grow primarily green in hot areas. A remarkably beautiful plant that cleaned up the prizes at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2003. A Proven Winners®/Color Choice® variety. 'Eva' PP 15,575

Elders are a diverse group, primarily comprising hardy deciduous trees and shrubs, along with a few herbaceous members. They come from North America, Asia, and Europe and are known for their large heads of white or cream-colored flowers. These are followed by red, purple-black, or blue fruits, which are well regarded for making cordials and preserves. The leaves are pinnate and the more ornamental varieties have elegantly cut leaflets or variegated or colored foliage. In general, Elders are trouble-free plants, happy in ordinary soil and needing only a late-winter pruning to maintain their size and shape.

For more information on the growing and care of Sambucus, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: sam-boo'kus   

Elders are a diverse group, primarily comprising hardy deciduous trees and shrubs, along with a few herbaceous members. They come from North America, Asia, and Europe and are known for their large heads of white or cream-colored flowers. These are followed by red, purple-black, or blue fruits, which are enjoyed by birds. The leaves are pinnate and the more ornamental varieties have elegantly cut leaflets or variegated or colored foliage.

In general, Elders are trouble-free plants, happy in full or part sun and ordinary soil, needing only a late-winter pruning to maintain their size and shape.

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].