Eva Black Lace® Black Elderberry

Black Lace® is the finely cut, purple-black form of Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’, bringing strong foliage contrast to a shrub border or specimen planting. Its broad pink flower clusters open in early summer and may develop into dark berries when another compatible elderberry is nearby. [Proven Winners confirms the selection, size, flowering, and fruiting conditions](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/black-lace-elderberry/). ## Garden Use Use this large shrub as a focal point, informal hedge, or rain-garden accent where its spreading habit has room. It typically reaches 6–10 feet tall and wide, with the darkest foliage color in full sun. University of Wisconsin Extension notes that the flowers fade toward pale pink and berries follow in summer; fruit production is modest and improves with a second elderberry cultivar. ## Growing Conditions Plant in full sun to part sun and provide moist, well-drained soil. The selection is hardy in USDA zones 4–7 and tolerates established drought, though it performs best with steady moisture. Do not eat the foliage or stems; Proven Winners notes that these parts are toxic, while flowers and fully ripe berries can be used when cooked. ## Maintenance Prune selectively in late winter or early spring to remove dead stems and shape the shrub. It flowers on old wood, so severe cutting before bloom sacrifices that season’s flowers; lighter renewal pruning preserves more of the display.