Laced Up® Elderberry

The Laced Up® Elderberry, is a distinct variety that boasts several notable attributes, making it an appealing choice for gardeners and landscape designers. This plant is characterized by its unique upright and columnar growth habit, allowing it to fit comfortably into smaller spaces. It typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet and spreads about 3 to 4 feet, making it a tall but compact shrub.

One of the most striking features of the Laced Up® Elderberry is its foliage. The leaves are a deep, feathery black, offering a dramatic and elegant visual appeal. This dark foliage provides a stunning backdrop for the pink flowers that bloom in early summer, creating a beautiful contrast. The plant's overall appearance is not just visually appealing but also adds a distinctive texture to the garden landscape.

The Laced Up® Elderberry, with its unique attributes and striking appearance, offers a range of landscaping uses:

1. Vertical Accent in Small Spaces: Its narrow, upright growth habit makes it perfect for areas with limited space. It can add vertical interest without occupying too much ground area.
2. Formal Plantings and Entryways: The Laced Up® Elderberry works exceptionally well in pairs for a symmetrical, formal look at entryways or along garden paths.
3. Container Gardening: Its compact size and upright form make it suitable for container gardening, ideal for patios, balconies, or terrace gardens.
4. Focal Point in Landscape Designs: With its dramatic black foliage and pink flowers, it serves as a striking focal point in any landscape design, drawing the eye and adding depth.
5. Borders and Hedging: It can be used to create elegant and unusual borders or low hedges, providing a background for other plants or defining garden areas.
6. Wildlife Gardens: While it is harmful to pets, its flowers and berries (when pollinated by another elderberry variety) can attract birds and beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
7. Mixed Shrub Borders: The Laced Up® Elderberry can be mixed with other shrubs in a border for a varied and layered look, complementing other plants with its unique foliage and flower colors.
8. Thematic Gardens: Its unique appearance fits well in modern, cottage, or formal garden styles, offering versatility in thematic landscaping.
9. Pairing with Complementary Plants: It pairs well with other plants that can provide contrasting colors and textures. When planning berry production, it should be paired with compatible elderberry varieties like Black Lace®, Instant Karma®, or Black Beauty™.

Planting Instructions:

1. Timing: Plant in early spring or fall to allow the plant to establish before extreme weather conditions.
2. Location: Choose a location with part sun to full sun exposure. It thrives best with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
3. Soil Preparation: Elderberries prefer well-drained soil. Amend the planting area with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.
4. Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Space the plants 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.
5. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

Care and Maintenance:

1. Watering: Once established, elderberries have moderate water needs. Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
2. Pruning: Pruning is not usually necessary but can be done to remove dead or errant shoots in early spring. It helps maintain the plant’s shape and vigor.
3. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, if necessary, to encourage healthy growth.
4. Pest and Disease Management: Generally resistant to pests like deer and rabbits. Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that may affect elderberries and treat accordingly.
5. Winter Care: In colder zones, apply mulch around the base to protect the roots in winter.
6. Pollination for Berries: If berry production is desired, plant near another elderberry variety like Black Lace®, Instant Karma®, or Black Beauty™ for cross-pollination.

Additional Tips:

• Pet Safety: Be aware that all parts of the elderberry plant are toxic to pets.
• Location Consideration: Avoid planting in areas that are prone to waterlogging or have very poor soil quality.
• Supporting Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries, if produced, can attract birds.