The Black Tower Elderberry Has a Moderate to Fast Growth Rate
The black tower elderberry, or Sambucus nigra ‘Effel1’, is a fast-growing, upright shrub that is known for its pink flowers and purple-black berries. This beautiful plant grows moderately to quickly and is fully grown in just a few years after it is planted.
In the first year, expect new black tower elderberry plants to grow around 3-4 feet tall and wide. These shrubs establish rapidly, getting their root systems in place and pushing out an abundance of new growth above ground. With proper care, they can gain several feet of height annually.
Most black tower elderberries grow to be 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide by the second year. They keep growing up quickly, and the dark purple-black leaves cover all of their many stems. When they’re happy, these elderberries can grow more than a foot tall every year.
About 8 to 10 feet tall, three-year-old plants have a dense, full shape. Black tower elderberries are starting to look like adults at this point, but they still have a lot of room to grow. Because they grow so quickly, they take up a lot of space quickly in gardens and landscapes.
In ideal conditions, mature black tower elderberry shrubs can reach impressive proportions of 10-15 feet tall and wide. However, with annual pruning, they can be maintained at more manageable sizes of 6-10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Their growth rate starts to slow slightly once established.
In general, black tower elderberries grow at their fastest during the first three years. Their quick growth as young plants turns them quickly from small starter plants into big features. These big shrubs can be shaped however you want without losing their strength by pruning and thinning every so often.
Factors Affecting Black Tower Elderberry Growth Rate
Several key factors play a role in determining the growth rate of black tower elderberries:
-
Light – Eldereberries need full sun to partial shade to thrive. Insufficient light slows growth.
-
Water – Consistent watering is vital, especially while young. Drought stress inhibits fast growth.
-
Soil – Moist, fertile, well-draining soil provides ideal conditions for growth.
-
Temperature – Growth occurs in temperatures ranging from -30F to 100F. Extreme heat or cold slows the pace.
-
Pruning – Annual pruning invigorates these shrubs, promoting new growth.
-
Nutrients – Regular fertilization supplies nutrients to fuel rapid growth.
-
Pests & Disease – Freedom from major issues allows plants to focus energy on growth.
With proper site selection, planting, care and maintenance, black tower elderberries make stunning additions to landscapes. Their ornamental qualities develop quickly thanks to their naturally fast growth habit, creating focal points and providing ecosystem benefits. Annel pruning keeps their size in check while stimulating new growth.
Buying Options for Plants
Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. This page will help you understand your choices as you work with Nature Hills to make a beautiful landscape.
Want to know what a bigger plant will do for your yard? The size of the pot depends on how old the plant is.
Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.
- Select trees are often bought in 1 foot, 2 foot, 3 foot, and other sizes.
- Many people choose bare root plants in sizes like 1 foot, 18 inches, and more.
Get an extra 20% off everything with code:
- In Stock
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Plant Size
Black Tower™ Elderberry – #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock. Qty This item is a recurring or deferred purchase. By continuing, I agree to the.
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
Click Here to learn more
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the items product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Easy to grow tall shrub: Sambucus ‘Black Tower’
FAQ
How fast does black elderberry grow?
Elderberry has a moderate to fast growth rate. A typical garden setting will usually see growth from 1 – 2 feet per year. An ideal settings with plenty of moisture and sunlight can see growth of 2 – 3 feet per year.
Is Sambucus Black Tower fast-growing?
Akin to its relative Black Lace, this is a fast-growing deciduous large shrub or small tree. Sambucus nigra Black Tower has tough, dark purple-black leaves.
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.
How quickly do elderberries grow?
-
Zero Waste Homesteadhttps://zerowastehomestead.comHow to Grow Elderberries with Tips from a Seasoned GrowerYoung plants will usually need to be watered with about 1 to 2” of water per week for the first 1 to 2 years, while established plants may only need supplementa…
-
Hardy Fruit Tree Nurseryhttps://www.hardyfruittrees.caElderberry – Hardy Fruit Tree NurseryThis fast-growing shrub starts to produce berries within 2 years of planting, and generally reaches about 3 metres or 10 feet in height at maturity. It may spre…
Is Black Tower elderberry a good plant?
Black Tower Elderberry is the plant to grow if you want something that grows up and looks good in a small garden or narrow space. 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.
How big does a black tower elderberry get?
Black Tower Elderberry grows quickly and can get as tall as 8 feet and wide as 3 to 4 feet. In some cases, it can grow even taller, reaching 20-30 feet.
When does the Black Tower Elderberry shed its leaves?
Like most temperate species, the Black Tower Elderberry sheds its leaves in winter to cope with water loss from the dry winter air and secure some energy for the spring. Black Tower Elderberry is a plant with a quick growth rate that can grow about 6-8 feet in height and 3-4 feet wide.
Will Black Tower elderberry tolerate drought?
Black Tower Elderberry will not tolerate drought, but you should not overwater it as well. Even though you should let the soil dry out between waterings, don’t let it dry out all the way, because that will stop the plant’s growth. Starting from the bloom time till it harvests, Black Tower Elderberry requires an inch of water every week.
Where does Black Tower elderberry grow?
This stunning plant is indigenous to Africa, Europe, and Southwestern Asia. Black Tower Elderberry belong to the family of Adoxaceae that is part of the Sambucus genus. It grows delicious berries that cannot be eaten raw but are often enjoyed in jellies, pies, and jams.
How do you grow Black Tower elderberry?
The black tower elderberry has a preference for cool, damp weather but can tolerate a wide range of climates and temperatures. Keep reading for an overview of the basic steps for growing these unique elderberry shrubs. The black tower elderberry prefers well-draining, humusy soil with acidity between 5.5 to 6.5 pH.