Sambucus . BlackLace ..

Looks really good Amy!

Contrast between leaf and flower is stunning.

Mine is nearly there....beautiful

Gorgeous, love them.

I love this one Amy, must look out fot it;0) Will p.m you tomorrow!

oh, that's nice! must look it up - think this is one of the few proper names i recognise; wanted Elder in my garden, being a "witchy" plant, but this one is outstanding

Thanks everyone I love the contrast in colour I have two of them , I hope you find one Fran :o)

not sure how much space I can allow for one, was looking for "dwarf" if they come that small, but if not, of course it depends how much and how often it's cut back.

You can cut them as much as you like Fran , They are like the wild ones you see on the road sides the Green ones with the white Elder flowers the only difference is these are a different colour , I hope that helps !

certainly does, Amy, thanks! Elder is so useful - elderflower wine, sloe gin, and the wood is excellent for making whistles etc.

we had some round the back from the communal garden - they'd not been trimmed for years, and the branches hung down till they reached the ground; created an avenue between trunks and branch ends, rather nice.

I make Sambuca Syrup from the berries Fran its very good to take if you have a cold and is very expensive in a health shop , I freeze it in ice cubes and then take some out when I need it ...

oh, i'm going to have to get one, at least!!!

Amy please can you. put the recipe on for that Syrup, as we grow several Sambucus....always looking for new ways to use fruit...

This is the way I do it Angela ,nothing special wash and take off the stalks put your berries into a large saucepan with a small amount of water simmer until it's turns into a deep rich red /purple syrup leave until it's cold strain it if necessary if there are bits in it , if you want to freeze it to use for colds in the winter pour it into ice cubes that way you can take out how much you need ,please be very careful when it's scalding hot also beware it stains anything it comes into contact a lovely purple including tea towels etc. good luck :o)
Angela , Google wellnessmama homemade Elderberry Syrup Natural remedy for colds & flu , it looks interesting and may be more convenient as you can keep it in jars in your fridge , I might try this next time !

Thanks very much for that Amy...