Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
6th January 2021. In line with the current government lockdown rules, Burncoose Nurseries is closed to visitors. However at present we are able to offer click and collect to local customers. This will be weekdays only, not weekends.
Mail order is continuing as normal. However please allow extra time for the couriers to deliver, once despatched from us. Sorry to say that some depots are experiencing high volumes of traffic, also staff shortages.
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'
Commonly known as Common elder
Dramatic dark purple, nearly-black foliage and dissected leaves like a Japanese maple.
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Deciduous
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Shades of pink - All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
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Height - 3m (10ft)
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Spread - 3m (10ft)
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Tall Shrub - upright, bushy shrub with stout shoots. produces flowers in flat clusters to 15cm (6in) across.
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Hardy - very cold winter - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Harmful if eaten - These will give you an upset tummy, so please don't eat any of these.
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May cause skin allergy or irritant - Having skin or eye contact with these plants could result in an allergic reaction, burning or rash.
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Additional Features - Good to know - - easy to grow substitute for Japanese maple. Prune back to ground level each spring and mulch with compost or manure for best foliage effect. Wildlife plant - insects, birds.
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Pests & Diseases - black fly infest young shoots and foliage, Verticillium wilt.
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Place of origin - garden origin. UK. K. Tobutt, East Malling, Kent
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Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept -
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Hardiness - Fully hardy -
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Leaf Colour (if not green) - Purple -
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Pruning group - Pruning group 4
Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
When: Annually in early Spring.
RHS group 5, 6 & 7 -
Scented Plants - Scented flowers - - light, citrus fragrance.
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Seasonal Interest - Spring -
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Summer
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Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - moderately fertile
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Wildlife - Bee friendly -
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Bird friendly
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Butterfly friendly
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Rabbit Resistant
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3m (10ft)
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3m (10ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20