I would think lime green would be a good combo.

An article I read suggested putting it with Cornus "Arctic Sun" which is a yellow twig dogwood but it gets only 3'-4'tall and a Weigela "My Monet" which is only about 12" -18" and has varigated foilage.

I need to keep my Black Lace elderberry potted up, since it is only marginally hardy here. I had the same question!

Thanks margay, your suggestion of using a variegated weigela and yellow-twig dogwood with it sounds pretty.

The information I read says it is hardy to zone 4 and withstands cold and wind very well.

'Limemound' or 'Goldmound' spirea might work also, as smallish, in-front plants - the pink flowers would be another contrast. There are several variegated abelias - 'Kaleidoscope' comes to mind - that would also work. If the drainage is good, a lavender might be nice. And, while perhaps not a shrub, artemisias are always a good contrast of silver.

I agree with previous posters. I planted it last year with 'Lemon Princess' Srirea in front of it. The combination of colors and shapes is fantastic!

alina~what zone are you in? I have read both zone 4 and zone 6, and I don't want to take any chances with mine!

I am in zone 6/7, Maryland. Both Spirea 'Lemon Princess' and Sambucus 'Black Lace' are suppose to be hardy in zones 4-7.
I think the idea is to combine it with white or cold variegated or solid color plants.

I planted Tigereyes Sumac by mine.
I also planted in the same bed Miscanthus Morning Light.

I am in z 5b KS and mine came back fine.

mary
z 5b ks

Tiger eyes would be a great combination. I have a Tiger Eyes next to a Black Beauty sambucus.

The Black Lace, if it gets a fair amt of moisture, is vigorous, grows "like a weed." If you want to combine it with another Sambucus, "Sutherland Gold" is a bright yellow chartreuse, and "Pulverenata" is mottled with white flecks if you want that combination.