Yes: it is liable to be too big. If happy, will blow right past 5' in no time. The one here certainly did this. You might try it anyway, to see how it behaves on your planting site. Cutting tallest stems down low periodically, leaving the rest to control height might be possible. But elders shoot up so fast that re-growth may rapidly exceed the 5' each time. If you want full production of flowers and fruit spread throughout the bush heading back too tall stems may perhaps interfere with this - or produce a bit of an unattractive stubbiness. Try searching sambucus pruning for additional discussion. Does not have to be about this particular one to apply.

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.

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

Hi northspruce, Here it is! At the forefront, you have the Sambucus nigra laciniata, which is the dark green one. Even though the lighting condition makes it look a bit darker or even bronze-like in the photo here, it really is a nice dark green. The golden yellow one is Sambucus racemosa "Morden Golden Glow". At the far end, you have Sambucus nigra "Black Lace". Of the three, I love the Black Lace the most, because of the foliage colour and form. The Laciniata is nice too, but not as eye-catching as the Black Lace. As for the Morden Golden Glow, even though this is an east facing area, it has some leaf burn already - perhaps it needs more water than it gets right now as a younger shrub. Anyway, I hope this helps! If you need a close-up, let me know! :-)