Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Sambucus nigra 'Eva'
Black Lace Elderberry
- Family
- Adoxaceae
- Height
- 5 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Light pink clusters
- Foliage color
- Deep purple-black leaves with a rich contrast
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low, prune regularly to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 7
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly with its berries
About this plant
Sambucus nigra 'Eva', commonly known as Black Lace elderberry, is an ornamental shrub known for its finely cut, deep purple-black foliage and delicate pink flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it produces large, flat clusters of small, pale pink blossoms that contrast beautifully with the dark, almost black leaves. As the season progresses, small dark berries form, adding additional interest and attracting birds.
This cultivar was developed in Europe as a more compact and refined variety of the native Sambucus nigra, chosen for its unique leaf color and ornamental flowers. 'Eva' has become a popular choice for gardens, where it provides a dramatic contrast in flowerbeds, borders, or mixed plantings, combining both beauty and functional value in a variety of landscapes.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Phlox · Pittosporum · Hardy mums · Feather reed grass · Cranesbill · Butterfly bush
Design tip
Pair ‘Eva’ with plants carrying chartreuse, silver, or fresh green foliage to bring out the depth of its nearly black leaves. The contrast keeps this dark-leaved shrub from visually receding into the planting and highlights its finely cut texture even when it is not in bloom.
