Laced Up Elderberry
Laced Up Elderberry
A Bold, Columnar Black-Leaved Elderberry for Tight Spaces
Laced Up Elderberry (Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up') is a dramatic, strongly upright shrub with finely cut, near-black foliage held on a narrow, columnar frame — a striking vertical accent where width is limited. Pink-budded white flowers appear in early summer, drawing pollinators. Its tall, slim silhouette makes a living exclamation point in borders and entryways in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Laced Up Elderberry Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Sambucus nigra 'Laced Up' (SNR1292) |
| Mature Size | 6–10 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide (narrow, columnar) |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — hardy; give it a sheltered spot) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (darkest foliage in sun) |
| Bloom Time | Early summer (pink-white flowers) |
| Flower Color | Pink buds opening white, over near-black foliage |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates clay and moist soil; prefers rich, moist ground |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable in zone 4; mulch the base in exposed sites |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer |
| Foliage | Finely cut, near-black; columnar habit |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Narrow vertical accent: Its columnar form fits tight spots, entryways, and between windows where a wide shrub won't work. Space 2–3 feet apart for a screen.
Foliage contrast and pollinators: The near-black leaves pop against gold and green foliage, and the flowers feed pollinators. Pair with gold-foliage shrubs and bright perennials.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist soil. Water through establishment.
How to Plant Laced Up Elderberry
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Space 2–3 feet apart.
Watering Laced Up Elderberry
First year: Water deeply every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers consistent moisture; water during dry spells.
Q: How narrow is it?
Strongly columnar — just 2 to 3 feet wide but 6 to 10 feet tall, perfect for tight, vertical spaces.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
It's hardy to zone 4; in exposed sites give it a sheltered spot and mulch the base.
Q: Are the berries edible?
Black elderberries should be cooked before eating; raw fruit and other parts are not for raw consumption. Mainly enjoy it for foliage and as bird food.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer rarely browse elderberry.
You May Also Like
Black Lace Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): A spreading near-black cutleaf elderberry.
Sutherland Gold Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa): A golden lacy-leaved elderberry.
Ninebark (Physocarpus): A native shrub with dark-foliage options.
How Many Laced Up Elderberry Do I Need?
For a narrow privacy screen along a fence or property line, use the body's own 2–3 foot spacing — the columns close ranks while staying only 2–3 feet deep:
| Run length | Plants at 2.5 ft spacing |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 5 |
| 20 ft | 9 |
| 30 ft | 13 |
| 40 ft | 17 |
As an accent, one column flanking each side of an entry (a matched pair) is classic, or give a single exclamation point a 3-foot circle in the border.
Laced Up Elderberry Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Finely cut foliage emerges and quickly deepens to near-black; the narrow column shoots up fast once warm weather arrives.
- Summer: Pink buds open to creamy-white flower clusters in early summer, glowing against the black lace and feeding bees and other pollinators.
- Fall: Dark berries (cook before eating; the birds will happily take them raw) and moody foliage hold late into the season.
- Winter: Leaves drop to reveal the slim upright frame; mulch the base in exposed sites to protect the crown through zone 4 cold.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant
Plant It With
- Black Lace Elderberry — the body's own pick: same near-black lace in a wide, spreading form.
- Sutherland Gold Elderberry — golden cutleaf foliage that makes the black column pop.
- Lemon Lace Elderberry — compact chartreuse lace for the front of the same bed.
- First Editions Little Devil Ninebark — native-derived dark-foliage companion the body suggests, at knee-to-waist height.
Is Laced Up Elderberry Right for Your Yard?
Choose it when you need height without width: a 2–3 foot footprint that climbs 6–10 feet in rich, moist soil and full sun to part shade (sun gives the blackest leaves). Deer leave it alone and pollinators love the early-summer bloom. Not a fit for dry, sandy spots or windswept open sites — it wants steady moisture and appreciates some shelter in a zone 4b winter.