The Black Tower Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Effel1’) is an eye-catching and fast-growing variety that is becoming increasingly popular in gardens. As someone who loves gardening, I was curious to learn more about the growth rate of this striking plant. In this article I will share details on the Black Tower Elderberry’s rapid growth habit and what you can expect in terms of how quickly it matures.
Overview of the Black Tower Elderberry
The Black Tower Elderberry is a cultivar of the European Elderberry that was introduced by Spring Meadow Nursery in Michigan. It features deep purple-black foliage that provides a dramatic contrast to the two-toned pink flowers that bloom in early summer. As the flowers fade, they give way to clusters of purple berries in fall.
This elderberry grows in an upright form quickly reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. The columnar shape makes it ideal for use as a hedge or screen. It can also be incorporated into mixed borders or grown in containers.
The Black Tower Elderberry grows very quickly, which is one of its best qualities. I will talk more about this in more detail later in this article.
The Growth Rate of the Black Tower Elderberry
A fast growth rate is said for the Black Tower Elderberry. I got this information from online plant stores and growers: this elderberry grows at an amazing rate of over 2 feet per year.
Within the first year after planting as a young shrub, you can expect it to establish and put on significant growth, potentially reaching 3 feet tall. In year two, it may achieve 5 feet in height and by year three, mature to its expected size of 6 to 8 feet tall.
In just two to three years, this plant can grow from a small bush into an 8-foot privacy screen or garden accent. It grows quickly, which makes it great if you want to make a big difference in your landscape quickly.
Factors Affecting the Growth Rate
Even though the Black Tower Elderberry is genetically more likely to grow quickly, its growth rate is still affected by the following:
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Soil conditions – This elderberry thrives in moist, fertile, well-draining soil. Poor soil can stunt its growth. Amending the soil with compost at planting helps provide ideal conditions.
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Sun exposure – The shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade. Insufficient light exposure will slow the growth rate.
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Climate – Warm climates with long growing seasons are ideal for the Black Tower to achieve maximum growth. Colder climates may experience slower maturation.
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Pruning – Annual pruning of old wood after flowering encourages new, vigorous growth. Neglecting to prune may hinder the growth rate over time.
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Pollination – Cross-pollination from nearby elderberry plants results in more abundant fruit set, which energizes growth. Planting in clusters helps increase pollination.
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Aftercare – Providing supplemental water during drought and fertilizing a couple times per year ensures optimal growing conditions.
Tips for Managing the Rapid Growth
The incredibly quick growth of the Black Tower Elderberry makes it a fun plant to grow, but it also requires some management to keep it looking its best:
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Plant it in an area where it has room to reach its mature size without overcrowding other plants.
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Be diligent about pruning each year to maintain its shape and keep growth under control.
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Provide a sturdy trellis or plant it against a fence or wall to support the upright structure as it grows.
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Pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage bushier branching if desired.
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Cut back any suckers around the base to keep growth focused upwards.
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Monitor for pests like aphids that may be attracted to the rapid sap production.
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Harvest berries promptly before the birds devour them all!
Adding this Speedy Grower to Your Landscape
If you have the right growing conditions, you can capitalize on the Black Tower Elderberry’s vigorous nature to add drama to your garden. Use it as a fast-growing hedge, privacy screen, or vertical accent. Pair it with perennials like ornamental grasses or hydrangeas to complement the dark foliage.
With its impressive growth rate, this elderberry is sure to make a major impact in your landscape in a short period of time. Just be prepared to stay on top of pruning and care to keep its growth in check. Let this black-leaved beauty put on a show in your garden with its gorgeous flowers and fall berries.
Elderberry Tree Care
Elderberry trees are not finicky to grow and dont require much maintenance, however, continuous weeding is essential as elderberries dont compete well with aggressive weeds.
Soil
Elderberry trees do best in moist, well-drained, and moderately acidic soil (pH between 5. 5 and 6. 5). The plants need moisture and wont grow well in sandy soil that does not retain moisture. The plants tolerate temporary flooding for a day or two but no more.
Easy to grow tall shrub: Sambucus ‘Black Tower’
FAQ
How quickly does elderberry grow?
Elderberries are known for their fast growth rate, typically growing 1-3 feet per year in a standard garden setting. Under ideal conditions with ample sunlight and moisture, they can grow even faster, potentially adding 2-3 feet annually.
Do black tower elderberries like sun or shade?
Where it Grows: Elderberry grows in well-drained, medium to wet soil with full sun to part shade. Although it tolerates a wide range of soils, it prefers moist, humusy ones.
What not to plant next to elderberry?
Elderberry shrubs are not a good match for aggressive growers like sumac, honey locust, and buckthorn. These plants can live side-by-side but may require routine pruning of suckers to ensure the elderberry has plenty of space.
How tall do black tower elderberries get?
SIZE: Moderate growing; reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide.
How big does a black tower elderberry get?
Black Tower Elderberry is a fast-growing plant that can reach 6-8 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width. In some cases, it can grow even taller, reaching 20-30 feet.
When does the Black Tower Elderberry shed its leaves?
Most temperate plants lose their leaves in the winter, and the Black Tower Elderberry does too. This is to deal with the dry winter air and save energy for spring. Black Tower Elderberry is a plant that grows quickly. It can get up to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
Is Black Tower elderberry a good plant?
Black Tower Elderberry is the right plant when you want to grow a plant that grows vertically and beautifies narrow space and small garden. Its rich, bright flowers and black-purple foliage will add beauty and class to any space. The dark foliage is often complimented when the stunning pink flowers begin to develop on them.
Will Black Tower elderberry tolerate drought?
Black Tower Elderberry will not tolerate drought, but you should not overwater it as well. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering, but don’t let it dry out completely, as it will halt the growth of the plant. Starting from the bloom time till it harvests, Black Tower Elderberry requires an inch of water every week.
When should I repot a black tower elderberry?
The recommended time for repotting is after 2 to 3 years and only in the winter season when it is dormant. You should repot the plant if you think the growth is slow. This will help to revive the Black Tower Elderberry and will accelerate growth again.
How long does a black tower elderberry bush take to grow?
Keep in mind that elderberry seeds can be a bit fickle and may take up to two years to germinate if the conditions aren’t perfect. When planting a black tower elderberry bush, be mindful that it will expand to about three or four feet wide as it matures.