Sambucus 'Black Lace', a selected variety of elderberry with deeply dissected foliage reminiscent of a Japanese maple, is an attractive addition to the garden from spring to killing frost; but is especially striking in spring when masses of pink blooms are set against dark foliage. By summer the Joe Pye weed, a towering perennial with dark stems that pick up the foliage color of the Sambucus, is topped by pink blooms that are a magnet for bees, butterflies and pollinators. Meanwhile, Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' holds down the ground plane with wisps of rich green foliage until late summer when it erupts onto the scene, stealing the show with frothy plumes that catch the light and wave in the breeze.
Zone:
5,
6,
7,
8
Exposure:
Afternoon Sun,
Full Sun,
Part Sun
Water Needs:
Drought-tolerant,
Low
Style:
Cottage,
Naturalistic,
Northwest Eclectic
Features:
Fabulous Foliage,
Flower Fest,
Attracts Pollinator,
Wildlife Friendly
Focus:
Mixed Border,
Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest:
Summer,
Late Spring / Early Summer,
Fall,
Pleasing Seasonal Changes,
Three Seasons of Interest
Maintenance Level:
low
Joe Pye Weed
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like
Exposure:
Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Black Lace™ Purple Cutleaf Elderberry
Type:
Shrub, Tree
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9