Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva' (syn. Sambucus 'Black Lace')
By Emma Jarvis, Nursery Manager at Barnsdale Gardens.
This month’s choice is Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva', a striking deciduous shrub grown for its finely cut, deep purple-black foliage and delicate summer flowers. Combining bold colour with graceful texture, it makes a wonderful focal point or backdrop in a sunny border.
Why Choose Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva'
With its deeply dissected, purplish-black foliage, 'Eva' creates a soft, lacy effect that is often compared to the elegant leaves of Japanese maples. The dark foliage provides colour and interest from spring through to autumn, making it a valuable addition to the garden even when not in flower.
In early summer, large umbels of pink-flushed white flowers appear above the foliage, carrying the characteristic sweet fragrance associated with elderflowers. These blooms are followed by clusters of small black berries later in the season. The flowers can even be used to make elderflower cordial, adding an extra layer of interest to this versatile shrub.
Where to plant Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva'
‘Eva' performs best in a sunny position, where the foliage develops its richest colour, although it will also tolerate light shade. It thrives in most garden soils and grows particularly well in the clay soil here at Barnsdale Gardens.
This vigorous shrub can reach several metres in height if left unpruned but it responds well to hard pruning in spring, allowing you to control its size and encourage fresh, colourful growth. If you love the finely dissected appearance of acers but have a sunnier spot to fill, 'Eva' makes an excellent alternative.
Planting Companions and Garden Design Ideas
Thanks to its dark foliage, 'Eva' is an excellent backdrop for a wide range of herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses. Bright green foliage plants stand out beautifully against its rich colouring, while warm-toned flowers create striking combinations.
For a vibrant summer display, try pairing it with Helenium 'Wesergold', whose golden-yellow flowers contrast beautifully with the dark leaves. It also works wonderfully in cooler colour schemes alongside plants such as Anthemis 'E.C. Buxton', creating a softer, more naturalistic effect.
Whether used as a specimen shrub, within a mixed border, or as part of a wildlife-friendly planting scheme, 'Eva' brings both structure and drama to the garden.
Growing and Propagating Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva'
Sambucus is generally an easy and reliable shrub to grow, requiring very little maintenance once established. Plants can be pruned hard in early spring, encouraging vigorous new growth and helping maintain a compact shape.
We do not propagate this particular variety on the nursery as it is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights. However, members of the Sambucus genus are generally propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in winter or softwood cuttings taken in late spring.
Wildlife Value in the Garden
The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to pollinating insects, including bees, hoverflies and butterflies. Later in the year, the dark berries provide an important food source for a variety of garden birds, helping to support wildlife well into autumn.
See Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva' at Barnsdale Gardens
If you're looking for a shrub that combines dramatic foliage, elegant flowers and excellent garden performance, Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva' is well worth considering.
You can find it growing in both the Versailles Garden and the First Time Garden at Barnsdale. It is one of Head Gardener John's favourite shrubs, thanks to its reliability, striking appearance and trouble-free nature.
You can buy it from our nursery or online from Barnsdale Gardens by clicking here.
