Black lace

Character & interest

‘Black Lace’ is a cultivar of texture and depth of colour: the deeply cut lobes create a feathery, airy look, while the very dark shade gives immediate presence. It works particularly well against green backgrounds (hedges, conifers, light foliage), where its silhouette stands out clearly.

Colours

• Spring : deep burgundy (often very dark).

• Summer : dark burgundy with possible bronze / bronze-green nuances depending on exposure and heat.

• Autumn : bright red to scarlet.

Habit & vigour

Rather upright when young, becoming more natural and flared with age. Moderate vigour.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• around 3 m at about 10 years is often indicated,

• at maturity, it is frequently found around 3 to 5 m (with a width that can approach 2.5 to 3 m), depending on conditions.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. The dark colour holds well in good light, but a sheltered position (dry winds, scorching sun) helps keep the foliage clean in summer.

Origin & history

‘Black Lace’ is presented as a selection introduced by Jan Willem Wezelenburg (Netherlands).