Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ has very finely cut, almost black foliage, which is the perfect foil to the pink-flushed blooms, which are followed by red-black elderberries. In autumn, its leaves turn a rich red. Indeed, some designers are using it in place of more sensitive plants since Black Lace is extremely durable and adaptable. Black Lace ® elderberry is a perfectly stylish addition to your landscape.. Intense purple black foliage is finely cut like lace, giving it an effect similar to that of Japanese maple. To produce the best coloured leaves, prune plants back to ground level every year in early spring (bear in mind this may be at the expense of flowers and fruit). In early summer, a profusion of lemon-scented umbels packed with creamy pink flowers are on display. Noted for its dramatic foliage, award-winning Sambucus nigra Black Lace® (Elderberry) is a large, upright, deciduous shrub adorned with a striking lacy foliage of deeply dissected, purple black leaves from spring to fall.