Overview & Description

The Black Lace™ Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’) is a stunning ornamental shrub from Proven Winners, celebrated for its dramatic, deeply dissected purple-black foliage that resembles a Japanese maple . In early summer, it produces large, flat clusters of lemon-scented, creamy pink flowers that contrast spectacularly with the dark leaves. These are followed by edible blackish-red elderberries in fall if a compatible pollinator (like Black Beauty® or Laced Up®) is nearby, attracting birds to the garden. This fast-growing, adaptable shrub has an upright, vase-shaped habit and is prized for its exotic texture and dramatic colour contrast.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, vase-shaped to rounded growth habit. It is a fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 6 to 8 feet in height with a similar spread of 6 to 8 feet. It can occasionally reach up to 10 feet under ideal conditions.

Additional Notes

It blooms in early summer. Hardy to Zone 4, it thrives in full sun to part sun for the best foliage colour and is adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, tolerating both moist and dry sites once established. This dramatic plant is ideal for use as a bold specimen, or a focal point in mixed borders and contemporary landscapes, providing exceptional architectural impact and pollinator appeal.