Looking for something a bit different? Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' (Black Lace Elderberry) is definitely not your grandmother's Elderberry.

Developed in England over a ten-year period, 'Black Lace' has the look of a Japanese Maple, but is much hardier and easier to grow. The finely cut, lacy, dark purple foliage looks wonderful all season long, adding color, interesting texture, and appeal on its own, regardless of flowers.

But when it does flower, watch out. In early summer the ferny, almost-black leaves are accented by creamy pink flowers almost six inches across, appearing in flat-topped clusters, and emitting a light lemon fragrance. In the fall, the flowers are replaced by blackish-red berries that stand out beautifully against the leaves. The berries attract songbirds, adding even more color. Think about the ever-changing splendor this beauty will bring to your landscape.

Its uses are endless. In addition to a foundation plant, 'Black Lace' makes a perfect hedge, border standout, or specimen. It matures to six to eight feet high and about five feet wide, with arching branches. Grow it as a shrub, train it as a tree, cut 'Black Lace' back to the ground in spring and use it as a bold perennial or prune it severely in early spring to fit a small space. It is colorful, versatile and very easy to grow, withstanding cold wind, very low temperatures, and even partial shade without losing any of its appeal.

This compact plant is the "hot" plant in Western Europe - so beautiful and so unique that it was named "Best New Plant" of 2006 at the NMPro ANLA New Plant Pavilion and also took several prizes at the Chelsea show in England. Carroll Gardens is one of a select number of growers to have this beautiful black specimen before its national release in 2007.