I pruned mine to death in an attempt to control the growth, and all I was trying to do was keep it around 6x6, the width being my biggest problem. Satellite dish issues, lol.

Well, it's not completely dead yet, but enough of it died so that I am replacing it with something smaller this fall.

Of course we can't be 100% positive that the aggressive pruning is what did it in, but I have very good conditions in that spot and there was no other reason for it's decline. The enormous, thick woody base just gave up the ghost.

wow - are all elderberries this exuberant? I have the American native and Lemony Lace..

It's a big shrub, as far as shrubs go! It seems that they can be more like 10/12 feet here in Portland, too.

I'd like it to be taller and wider rather than thicker ;) not sure if this is possible!

I think I'm going to plant it at the south west corner of our house. in this pic it's the corner between our house and the pink house next to us.

I hope it's enough room! Luckily it's tiny now; about 2 feet tall.

The real question is does it die back in winter and I suspect that in Portland the answer is 'no'. I generally prune my Sambucus into small, multi-trunked trees. I have some that I either let go or coppice, but they make nice small trees. If you PM me I can send you some photos. Here they do not die back at all - I have some that are between 10-12' tall.

How much width is available in the spot you are considering? The height is less important than the width.