Don't give up! I can tell you our 4 Sambucus shrubs really took off this year after being planted 3 years ago. They are finally stunning and thriving! We were really considering giving up on them if they looked as ratty at the end of this season as they did for the last couple. I'm really stunned and wish I had a before/after pic because it really is something. By the way... No fertilizer - no nothing other than it's "natural" environment and some minimal pruning/shaping.

I planted a 'Black Lace' last spring (2006) under what appears to be the exact same conditions you have - beside the foundation of white house, south exposure, alkaline soil. The plant itself was small (gallon size) and didn't look too promising but we did water it regularly throughout our very hot summer with its accompanying drought. By fall it had filled out somewhat but was only about 18" tall. This year we had what we thought was a very early spring (temps in the 70's in March) and everything, including the 'Black Lace' really took off. Then winter returned with a vengence and the prolonged below-freezing temps and a couple of 6" heavy, wet snows, totally killed all new growth. It's a month later now and the 'Black Lace' is growing like mad. It's filling out nicely (about 30" wide now) and is at least 36" tall and growing. Right now its color is dark green and there's one cluster of flower buds that should bloom in a week or so. Probably there would have been more blooms if we hadn't had that freezing spell. Last year during the summer the foliage was much darker so I'm guessing that it will blacken as it gets hotter. Considering how well mine is growing despite all the hardships it has endured, I highly recommend it.

You'll need to purchase or start plants from cuttings if you wish to get what you see :) True patent name is Sambucus nigra 'Eva'..."Black Lace" is only the trademark name. I have the common species Sambucus nigra ssp. cuerulea (Aka S. mexicana)...Blue Elderberry if you want to try some seeds for this one. Berries are edible and used in jams, pies, etc. Let me know at la_raspberry@yahoo.com

I've never grown it--too cold here-- but it is a zone 4 plant. When you get it pinch the growing tips back to make it bush out. You sacrifice flowers but it makes a better bushier plant. The plant blooms on last years growth put on in August so don't prune it after then.