I have had sambucus nigra 'Eva' 'Black Lace' in my garden since 2008. The initially small plant has been a slow grower and was eaten by deer/rabbits during the winter/early spring until I started putting chicken wire fencing around it for the winter. This year it is about 30-36" tall and bloomed.

It is growing next to a fir tree so has competition for water. I rake some mulched leaves at the base and water late into the fall.

Just came back from a wedding reception at a farm here in South Dakota. There were three large black lace elderberry shrubs that were almost five feet high and at least that wide. She told me that they die down to the ground every winter. Think it is time for me to move mine to a more open area with less root competition. That means the back yard away from the maples and fir tree out front.

Well, I don't need any more rabbit food in my garden, but it sure looks like a nice plant. Thanks for the info, mnwsgal.

Gary