Sambucus nigra 'Black Tower' - Black Elder

Bring dramatic colour and elegant form to your garden with Sambucus nigra 'Black Tower' (also known as 'Eva'). Featuring deeply cut, dark purple-black foliage, this superb upright shrub makes a stunning vertical accent, growing to approximately 2–3 meters tall and around 1 meter wide. In late spring to early summer, 'Black Tower' is adorned with flat clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its dark leaves and attract bees and pollinators. These are followed by small black berries in autumn, perfect for making elderflower drinks or wildlife gardens.

Ideal as a striking specimen, informal hedge, or patio feature, Sambucus 'Black Tower' thrives in full sun to part shade and suits moist, well-drained soils. It is cold hardy and can be pruned in winter to maintain size and shape, responding well to hard pruning if needed. Easy to grow and tolerant of a range of soil types, this elder offers season-long interest and strong architectural impact for modern and cottage gardens alike.

Key Features:

• Dramatic, upright dark foliage for strong vertical accents
• Pink, fragrant flower heads in spring-summer
• Edible black berries in autumn (cook before eating)
• Height: 2–3m | Width: 1–1.2m
• Sun/part shade; frost hardy, easy care
• Attracts bees, birds, and beneficial insects

Add 'Black Tower' to your landscape for reliable style, year-round structure, and wildlife appeal.