How to Grow and Care for Black Lace Sambucus and Elderberry Plants
Sambucus nigra
      
European Elder plants, also known as Black Lace Sambucus, are fast growing, low maintenance, multi-stemmed deciduous shrubs that will grow to about 10 feet tall. They have deeply veined, serrated foliage and produce large flat clusters of flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by small black berries which provide food for many species of birds. |
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Growing Requirements for European Elder Plants
Black Lace Sambucus plants are hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Begin with your container. Be creative when selecting a container. Dont limit
yourself to what you have already seen. Anything that is or can be waterproofed
can work. Whiskey barrels, troughs, birdbaths, lotus bowls, your college ceramic
project, basins, wooden boxes... almost anything goes! When choosing a container,
keep in mind what you want to put in it. Research the plants you like and
be sure your container is deep enough to house them. Plants like water lilies
need at least 5 inches of water above the top of their pot, while floating
plants like water hyacinths and water lettuces can be grown in a salad bowl!
Do you want fish? If so then your pot needs to be large enough to house a
small pump and filter set-up in order to keep your fish at optimum health.
The easiest route is to choose one that is already waterproof. Plastic, ceramic,
or concrete containers without drainage holes are ideal. They require little
to no alteration to get started. (Keep in mind, though, that if you live in
an area where water freezes solid in the winter, concrete may crack.) Even
wood boxes will work when lined with a EPDM liner. These liners are fish-safe
and are available at home centers and aquatic gardening shops. You can also
find a brush-on sealant made specifically for aquatic gardening.
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Filters and pumps are only absolutely necessary when you have fish, but a
small pump with a bubbler or fountain will not only make you garden more aesthetically
pleasing, it will also keep it healthier by oxygenating the water. Before
shopping for a pump, determine how many gallons of water you have and how
fast you want to move it through your fountain, if applicable. Pumps, fountains
and filters can be purchased at home centers, garden shops, and some pet stores.
Once you install your pumps, filter and fountain, you are almost finished!
After filling with water, let the garden sit for about two weeks to allow
the chlorine and chemicals to dissipate. You can hurry this process along
by adding a dechlorinator. Then you can add your plants. Choosing a variety
of plants will make your feature more interesting. Look for different heights,
colors, and textures.
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You can also add your fish at this point. Smaller goldfish, like shibunkins,
comets or fantails do well in containers as long as they have adequate oxygen,
water quality and shade so that they do not overheat. All that is left to
do now is to find a comfortable seat and place it nearby so that the next
time you are exhausted from weeding you can plop down and relax while you enjoy
the soothing sounds and beauty of your new garden.
European Elder aka: Black Lace Sambucus
Sambucus nigra
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