Black Tower™ Elderberry

Sambucus nigra 'EIFFEL 1'

Nature Hills Nursery

Narrow Upright Form Reaches 12-15 Feet Tall, Perfect for Tight Spaces Where Standard Black Elder Plants Won't Fit
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 6-8 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Showy Pink Blooms in Late Spring
Excellent Hedge in Butterfly Gardens

$43⁹⁶

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Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the deepest purple-black foliage, plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it tolerates partial shade, the leaves will shift toward a dull green and the plant will produce fewer flower clusters.
Soil: This elderberry thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in several inches of compost to improve drainage, or if your soil is sandy, add peat moss to help hold the moisture these plants crave.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week to help the root system expand. Once mature, Black Tower™ is moderately drought-tolerant but will lose its vigor and produce smaller berries if left dry for too long. If you notice the leaves drooping, it is a clear signal that the plant is thirsty and needs a deep soak.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety blooms on new wood, you should prune in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. Think of it like a seasonal refresh: remove any dead canes and cut the remaining stems back by about a third to encourage a dense, columnar shape. This timing ensures you don't accidentally cut off the buds that produce those signature pink flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the new leaves begin to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This helps the plant focus on root strength and winter hardiness rather than unnecessary foliage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Flowering, Edible, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts pollinators, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	6-8 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Sambucus nigra 'EIFFEL 1'
Species	nigra
Cultivar	EIFFEL 1
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

This Black Tower™ Elderberry PP23633 (Sambucus nigra 'Eiffel 1') will be the new talk of the town with its enchanting colors and unique narrow upright form. The large, serrated leaves emerge light green and age to this deep purple, almost black color!

The foliage is only the start of the incredible beauty too! Early into the summer, you will be surprised by the captivating big pink flat-topped flowers that are followed by incredible, shiny black berry clusters in the fall. Quite the package deal!

Anywhere in your landscaping that you need color and ornamental features, this Black Tower™ Elderberry will do the trick to turn your landscaping around! The flowers are highly sought-after by pollinators and beneficial insects and those berries, while edible by humans, are best left for your hungry songbirds!

Elderberry is partially self-pollinating but when paired with other Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) plants will produce more edible fruit. Growing throughout a wide range of conditions in USDA planting zones 4 to 8, reaching about 6-8 feet tall but just 3-4 feet wide, creating a vertical punctuation mark of dramatic dark leaves!

Planting and Application:

Using this shrub in mass plantings will be the new "wow factor" in your landscaping! You will rake in so many compliments about this spectacular Black Tower™ Elderberry! Use rows as space-saving backdrops that light up everything else planted before them, in your chic Cottage garden, Rock garden, or even a Rain Garden where they will appreciate the higher moisture!

Even in large planters, the columnar form makes Black Tower™ an incredible addition as a specimen shrub too. Try lining your driveway with potted or in-ground Black Tower™ Elderberries or creating evenly spaced drama along a pathway! They mix and match with other dark-foliage plants beautifully!

Add Black Lace® or Black Beauty® Elderberry behind, and other dark foliage plants for a high and low-tiered hedge along the front of your home's property for a property-defining display that will slow traffic! Or go bold and instead use Lemony Lace® Elderberry for a contrasting chartreuse backdrop! Can you imagine a more high-style form of edible landscaping?

Imagine a privacy hedge of these narrow black-leafed shrubs lining your pathway or separating your property from the neighbors! A single shrub on either corner of your home or standing astride the entrance to your front steps or garden gate takes curb appeal to the next level!

Rich Red-Black Unique Foliage
Unique Vertical Columnar Form!
Captivating Big Pink Summer Flowers
Pollinator Friendly & Berries For Humans & Birds
Incredible Shiny Black Berries
Jaw-Dropping Specimen Shrub, Narrow Hedges, Container Thriller & Accents

#ProPlantTips for Care:

You will want to plant in full sun for the most flowers and the richest color! Plant in enriched, well-drained soil for the best growth possible. Provide regular moisture access during their first year, not allowing them to dry out between waterings and providing a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch. Once established, these deciduous shrubs only need supplemental moisture during prolonged heat and excess drought situations.

Keep your Elderberry looking nice and spiffy with a trim every year as soon as the flowers have faded. Your shrub will appreciate the clean-up! In late winter or early spring you can remove any of the dead or weakened stems, or shortening up any that are too tall can be done, but they bloom on last year's wood so we don't take too much.

If your plant ever gets too overgrown it can easily be completely rejuvenated by cutting all stems down to the ground and letting it start over but when this is done, it will not bloom that year.

Full Sun Shrub
Adaptable to Most Soils
Needs Well-Drained Soil
Prune After Flowering - Blooms On Old Wood
Pest & Disease Resistant

Let the Black Tower™ Columnar Elderberry work its magic in your landscaping so that you can sit back and just enjoy its beauty. This Elderberry will be sure to sell fast, so order your very own today at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Black Tower™ Elderberry grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 4-8)?

Black Tower™ Elderberry thrives in USDA zones 4-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. This hardy shrub tolerates various growing conditions while maintaining its compact 3-4 foot width and 6-8 foot height. Check your specific zone to confirm compatibility.

How much sun does Black Tower™ Elderberry need—full sun or partial shade?

Black Tower™ Elderberry thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun producing the best foliage color and flower display. In zones 4-8, it adapts well to various light conditions while maintaining its striking 6-8 foot columnar form. Shop at Nature Hills for best results.

What watering requirements does Black Tower™ Elderberry have after planting?

Black Tower™ Elderberry appreciates consistent moisture, especially in its first growing season while establishing roots. This shrub thrives in rain gardens where higher moisture levels are naturally available. Water deeply once or twice weekly during dry spells, maintaining even soil moisture without waterlogging.

Is Black Tower™ Elderberry resistant to pests like aphids, powdery mildew, or spider mites?

Black Tower™ Elderberry has good natural resistance to most common pests and diseases. Like other Sambucus nigra varieties, it may occasionally attract aphids but typically recovers quickly. Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation to prevent any moisture-related issues.

Are the berries on Black Tower™ Elderberry edible for humans or just for wildlife?

The berries are technically edible for humans but are best left for songbirds and wildlife. While elderberries can be used in cooking, this ornamental variety produces better results as bird food than human consumption. For the best fruiting elderberries, shop the full selection at naturehills.com.