Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Tower ='Eiffel 1'

Common name: Black Tower Elder

Description: Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Tower ('Eiffel 1') is a superb and distinctive ornamental elder bred for a strongly upright, columnar habit — quite unlike the spreading nature of most elders — combined with deeply cut, near-black purple foliage of exceptional colour and refinement. In early summer it produces flat-headed clusters of soft pink flowers that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage, followed in autumn by small, dark purple-black berries. The upright habit makes it particularly useful in narrower planting situations or as a dramatic vertical accent in a border, where the dark foliage creates a striking contrast with lighter-coloured companions.

Other benefits: strongly upright columnar habit — ideal for narrower spaces; near-black deeply cut foliage; pink flowers contrast with dark leaves; autumn berries; dramatic vertical accent

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects; berries attractive to birds in autumn

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3m x 1m (upright columnar)

Position: full sun to partial shade; best foliage colour in full sun; most soils except very dry or waterlogged

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid (pH 5.5–7.0); tolerates clay and most fertile soils

Moisture: moderate to moist; keep consistently moist for best growth; mulch annually

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C