SAMBUCUS NIGRA BLACK TOWER

Planting Sambucus nigra ‘Black Tower’

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Tower’ is an upright deciduous elder valued for its near-black, purple foliage and narrow, columnar shape. Flat clusters of pink-flushed flowers appear in early summer, often followed by dark berries. Its vertical habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens, mixed borders, informal screens and positions where a broader elder would occupy too much space.

• Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Full sun produces the darkest foliage, while plants grown in heavier shade may develop greener leaves and fewer flowers.
• Select a site with enough room for the shrub’s mature height and spread. Although naturally narrow, it can become a substantial specimen over time.
• Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. ‘Black Tower’ tolerates clay, loam, chalk and sandy conditions if the soil is improved appropriately.
• Avoid ground that remains permanently waterlogged. Elder tolerates short periods of dampness but grows poorly where roots are continually saturated.
• Water the plant thoroughly before removing it from its container. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than its existing height.
• Position the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill carefully, firm gently and water deeply to settle the roots.
• Apply a 5–8 cm layer of well-rotted compost, leaf mould or composted bark around the root area. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the stems.
• When growing in a container, choose a large, stable pot with drainage holes and use good-quality, peat-free shrub compost. Container culture may restrict the plant’s eventual size.

Watering, Feeding and Seasonal Care

Sambucus ‘Black Tower’ establishes quickly when provided with reliable moisture and reasonably fertile soil. Young plants need regular care, while mature shrubs are generally resilient once their roots have spread.

• Water regularly throughout the first growing season. Apply water slowly and deeply so that it reaches the entire root ball and surrounding soil.
• Continue watering established plants during prolonged hot, dry or windy periods. Drought may cause wilting, scorched leaf edges and premature leaf fall.
• Check container-grown specimens frequently during spring and summer. Their compost can dry rapidly as the shrub increases in size.
• Water containers until moisture drains from the base, then empty any saucer or decorative outer pot. Never leave the root system standing permanently in water.
• Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertiliser in spring as new growth begins. Follow the recommended quantity to avoid producing excessively soft stems.
• Plants growing in poor soil can also receive a surface dressing of well-rotted organic matter during spring.
• Renew the mulch annually to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and gradually improve soil structure.
• Protect newly planted shrubs from strong winds until firmly rooted. Stake the main stems loosely if the root ball moves, checking ties regularly.
• In very exposed or cold locations, young shoots may suffer frost damage. Wait until spring growth begins before removing affected sections.

Pruning and Ongoing Maintenance

‘Black Tower’ naturally develops an upright framework, but pruning can control its size, improve its shape and encourage fresh, intensely coloured foliage. The timing and severity of pruning will influence flowering.

• Remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing or weak stems in late winter or early spring before active growth begins.
• For a natural shape and reliable flowering, retain the main framework and shorten only shoots that have become untidy or overcrowded.
• To encourage large, strongly coloured leaves, cut established stems back more firmly in early spring. Hard pruning may reduce or delay flowers during that season.
• Remove one or two older stems at ground level when the centre becomes congested. This promotes replacement growth and improves airflow.
• Use clean, sharp loppers or secateurs and make cuts just above a healthy outward-facing bud.
• Remove suckers if they appear outside the desired growing area. Cut them below soil level while they are still young.
• Inspect fresh growth for aphids and check the foliage for spider mites or fungal spotting. Healthy outdoor plants rarely experience severe problems.
• Birds may eat the berries quickly. If berries are retained, avoid planting directly above surfaces where falling fruit could cause staining.
• Elderberries should not be eaten raw, and leaves, bark, stems and unripe fruit are harmful if consumed. Only correctly identified, fully ripe berries prepared by thorough cooking should be considered for culinary use.
• With good light, reliable moisture, spring feeding and selective pruning, Sambucus ‘Black Tower’ will provide dramatic foliage, summer flowers and strong vertical structure

• Size
  3 lt

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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