Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Sambucus
'Black Tower'
black elder
Sambucus 'Black Tower' is a black elder with a sense of architecture—tall, statuesque, and dressed entirely in deep purple. This upright deciduous shrub (or small tree if you let it) is far from ordinary, producing vertical columns of dark, almost black foliage that shimmer when caught by the sun. Its leaves first emerge green before maturing into their signature inky tones, creating a dramatic foil for everything planted nearby. In late spring, Sambucus 'Black Tower' breaks its moody façade with flat clusters of pale pink, musky-scented flowers, each dotted with bold red anthers—a surprisingly delicate flourish atop its sleek frame.
Once summer fades, those blossoms give way to glossy purple-black berries, a favourite among garden birds and jam-makers alike. Sambucus 'Black Tower' is the perfect choice for those seeking structure and colour without sacrificing ease—thriving in sun or partial shade and tolerating most soils. It’s equally at home in a modern border as it is anchoring a cottage-style garden with a darker twist. Low-maintenance yet show-stealing, Sambucus 'Black Tower' delivers seasonal interest from spring right through to autumn, all while standing tall and proud. Think of it as the garden’s answer to a well-tailored tuxedo—smart, refined, and just a little bit mysterious.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Tower ('Eiffel 1'ᴾᴮᴿ)
- Flower colour
- Pale pink
- Established height
- 2.5-3m
- Established spread
- 1.5-2m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Near-black
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 1 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
