Proven Winners Sambucus Black Lace
Best cold-hardy shrub for gardeners seeking dramatic, dark-foliage landscape accents.
This is the ultimate workaround for gardeners craving the delicate, dark aesthetic of a Japanese maple in climates where those trees simply won't survive. You trade the slow growth of a traditional maple for a fast-growing, hardy shrub that brings high-contrast drama and bird-friendly berries to even the coldest landscapes.
$31.20
at
White Flower Farm
Who it's for
- Wildlife lovers and foragers wanting multi-season garden interest
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast foliage and architectural texture
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, deer-resistant landscaping
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting a plant that stays within its original footprint
- Small-space gardeners wanting to avoid frequent, heavy pruning
- Shade-garden owners looking for deep purple foliage
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Thrives in harsh northern climates where Japanese maples often fail.
Visual Impact
Striking dark foliage provides a high-contrast focal point for any garden.
Wildlife Attraction
Produces berries that reliably draw songbirds into your backyard landscape.
Landscape Versatility
Adaptable form works equally well as a hedge or specimen plant.
Maintenance Ease
Requires moderate watering and standard care to maintain its mounding shape.
Seasonal Interest
Delivers a dynamic display from early summer blooms through berry production.
Key Specs
SKU
36998
Genus
Sambucus
Species
nigra
Variety
'Eva'
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
6 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Hardiness Zones
4 - 7
Bloom Season
Summer
Evergreen/Deciduous Type
Deciduous
Know before you buy
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