Sambucus nigra 'Eiffel 1' Black Tower

A sophisticated and alluring dark and dramatic beauty that will not go unnoticed in the landscape, Black Tower Elderberry is plant that commands attention in the landscape with its tower of captivating dark foliage. Reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and maybe half as wide if left to grow natural or can be kept narrower with an occasionally pruning. Though the new foliage emerges celery green in early spring it rather quickly transitions to deep burgundy purple to jet-black. The more sun, the darker the leaves. We suggest at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the deepest foliage color. In late spring to early summer abundant, large flat top clusters of butterfly-attracting pretty white and pink flowers with a musky lemon scent are a wonderful contrast with the foliage. The flowers are followed by deep purple edible berries the birds will love, or they can be used to make jellies, jams or elderberry wine. Easy to grow and pest and disease resistant, Black Tower deserves a spot in every garden where it will grow (USDA zones 4a to 8b). In the ground or containers, it makes for a fine specimen or vertical accent in small garden spaces or home foundation plantings, or in groupings or rows where space allows.