Sambucus nigra Straight Laced - Black Elder

Sambucus nigra Straight Laced is a particularly striking form of the Black Elderberry. This very beautiful deciduous bush with an almost columnar habit is adorned with finely cut foliage, reminiscent of herbaceous peonies or certain Japanese maples. Adding to its unique look, these decorative leaves take on an almost black colour. The dark mass of the foliage thus provides a perfect setting to highlight the spring flowering, which blooms in the form of large pinkish corymbs. This elegant Elderberry accepts most soils, provided they are fertile and moist, and its compact dimensions also allow it to be grown in containers. Very hardy and easy to grow, it is a great find for small gardens!

Sambucus nigra Straight Laced is a plant that was classified in the Caprifoliaceae family (like honeysuckles) but is now assigned to the Adoxaceae, a rather obscure botanical family whose other main (large) known genus is Viburnum. It is a variety derived from the black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, a wild species found in Europe, North Africa, and as far as Asia Minor. In nature, it is a gracefully spreading and rounded bush, supported by arching branches, which can reach several metres in height and width. Its growth is rapid, especially in the fertile and moist soils that it prefers, and its exuberant habit makes it too cumbersome for some gardens.

Fortunately, many more disciplined cultivars (horticultural varieties) allow for the enjoyment of this interesting bush, especially for its nectar-rich flowering that is beneficial to bees. Straight Laced is a recent variety, introduced to the market in 2018, and its compactness is a great asset. There are several cultivars with almost black foliage, but most have retained the cumbersome aspect of the wild species, which is not the case with this one. The Straight Laced Elderberry reaches a height of 2.50 m (maximum 3 m (10 ft)) and takes on an almost columnar shape, not exceeding 1.30 m (4ft) in width. This limited growth allows it to be planted anywhere: in borders, as a focal point at the corner of a wall, in a mixed hedge, and even in a container. It will then only need to be pruned once a year to limit its growth, and it can add character to your terrace or mark a pathway.

Its finely cut foliage is particularly attractive, especially since its very dark, almost black, purple colour is truly unique. With its striking upright habit, this small elderberry will work well in a modern setting, blending perfectly with white walls and slate roofs. It produces truly delightful and very tasteful flowering, consisting of large corymbs of pinkish flowers which contrast nicely with the dark foliage in May-June. And if you plant a co-pollinator nearby (about ten metres away), the fertilised flowers will then develop into small purple-black fruits, characteristic of the species. For this purpose choose a variety such as 'Black Lace', 'Black Beauty', or 'Instant Karma' to achieve cross-pollination, which will allow both plants to bear fruit.

Easy to grow, this bush thrives equally well in full sun or partial shade. Undemanding in terms of soil type, it does appreciate fertile and moist soil. Under these conditions, it requires almost no maintenance, except for occasional pruning to correct its habit or limit its height. Very hardy, it can grow anywhere, and is more sensitive to excessive heat than to cold. If you choose to plant it in a container, you will need to use a soil that retains water well and a container with sufficiently insulating walls (thick terracotta or "double-skin" plastic with an air gap between the inner and outer walls) to prevent overheating of the substrate. Preferably place your container in a shaded spot in the afternoon sun and, in any case, remember to water regularly during hot periods.

The Straight Lace Elderberry is one of those jewel plants that is easy to fall for. Its habit, the shape and colour of its foliage, its abundant flowering, everything about it is appealing. Its multiple advantages allow it to be grown as a standalone specimen in the ground or in a decorative container, at the corner of a terrace, or by a winding path on a lawn. It will also look great in combination with other shrubs and perennials, or even as a backdrop for small trees in a mixed border. Have fun with colour contrasts by planting the Philadelphus coronarius Aureus next to it, a beautiful Mock Orange with golden foliage and enchanting white flowers (plant it in light shade to prevent its leaves from scorching in bright sunlight). In full sun, opt for the Physocarpus opulifolius Angel Gold, which is easier to grow and just as contrasting with the black of Straight Lace. For a more subtle harmony, the classic Cornus alba Elegantissima, a Dogwood with green leaves variegated with white, would also make a perfect partner.

Good to know: elderberry leaves are known to accelerate compost decomposition. A liquid fertiliser made from black elderberry leaves is useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid attacks, or to deter rodents. Simply macerate 1 kg of leaves in 10 L of water for a few days, and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts insect-eating birds.