The Sambucus nigra 'Black Tower' is a black elder with undeniable ornamental qualities. It surprises with its naturally upright habit, much like its little brother 'Golden Tower'. This uniqueness makes it particularly interesting for structuring space and adding verticality to a garden.
It makes a statement with its beautiful almost black deciduous foliage. In May/June, its corymbs of pink flowers fading to cream white, which are highly visited by pollinating insects, contrast beautifully with its dark and decorative foliage. Later in the season, the flowers give way to clusters of small, round, shiny black berries, much appreciated by birds.
Perfectly hardy, it can be planted anywhere, even in regions with harsh winters, bravely withstanding temperatures down to -25 °C. Compact, it is ideal for integrating into a hedge or a shrub border in a small garden, regardless of its style. It is particularly appreciated in contemporary or Japanese gardens for its graphic quality.
In my garden, it adds depth to the border where I planted it about 4 years ago. Vigorous and fast-growing, it already boasts a lovely size with its 2m height and 1m width. Its slender and graphic silhouette brings personality to the midst of grasses such as the spectacular Stipa gigantea, clumps of Pennisetum 'Hameln', Echinacea purpurea, Eryngium planum, Sedum 'Purple Emperor', with a few touches of Knautia macedonica, not to mention the picturesque Robinia 'Twisty Baby' with its twisted branches in the background, whose tortured branches contrast with the vertical column of the elder.
As a bonus, the flowers and berries of black elder are edible… Elderflower fritters and apple-elderberry jelly are delightful treats that we love at home!
Also discover Servane's recipe: Elderberry Jam and how to dry elderflowers? Feel free to share your favourite recipe with us!
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