Acer

Actually Sambucus 'black lace' looks very similar to Acer palmatum dissectum. It is much smaller and is not rampant unlike 'nigra'. I suppose it looks most like a dark Acer 'crimson queen' though Sambucus 'black lace' is darker.

 

That sounds promising. Is there a green version?

 

Go for it Freddy, I'm buying a 'black lace' this week, my daughters Mothers Day present.

http://www.springmeadownursery.com/plant/71860

 

This looks quite good too...

http://www.springmeadownursery.com/plant/72480

 

Hmmm, I like that too but I need the dark foliage for what I have planned.

 

Hiya Sheal.

I need 2 or 3 to go in pots to sit on the side of my Koi pond, hence the need for it to be compact and delicate looking.

 

'Sutherlands Gold' as I see you just found online!

 

Too windy or lack of moisture will cause the leaves to shrivel up and die
For a pot try Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' http://www.fujiyamagarden.com/page17i1.html
or as a green variety Acer palmatum 'Viridis' or similar http://www.fujiyamagarden.com/page17v1.html

 

Hiya Sam. Sorry, I've only just seen your post
Anyway, when I was down at Newton Abbot a few weeks back, I bought a Sambucus. Aunt Sally managed to throw away the label, so I have no idea which one in particular Anyway, when I saw it, I thought it looked promising in terms of side-shoots. Herewith a pic...

 

My money would be on
Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ as its readily available and has a yellow-ish leaf

 

Thanks for that Kristen. My only concern is trying to keep it on the small side without it being stressed.

 

I cut my Sambucus right down each year. They grow back vigorously, but obviously only get to one-season's-growth size. Dunno if that would suit you? or are you planning on keeping it in a pot? Bonsai maybe?

 

Hiya Kristen.

Yes, I would like it to stay in the pot it's in now. If I can, I'd like to restrict it to around 2-3ft round, so cutting it right back sounds good.

 

Looks a lovely plant. Root trimming is also a good way to keep a plant small and healthy (like they do in Bonsai)

 

Hiya Sam

My thoughts were to wait until it goes dormant and tease out the rootball from the compost before re-potting into the same pot. When the time comes I'll do as you suggest and trim the roots