The elderberry is a deciduous small tree or shrub with serrated leaves and bright white umbels of flowers in late spring. The dark purple, almost black edible berries ripen in the late summer or early fall. Packed with antioxidants, elderberries are considered a superfood. They must be cooked though, in their raw state, the berries as well as other parts of the plant, are toxic to humans and pets.
Elderberry trees have a moderate growth rate; youll have to wait 2 to 3 years after planting before they bear fruit. They are best planted in the spring.
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.
One of the most outstanding features of the Black Tower Elderberry is its rapid growth rate, which I will explore in more detail throughout this article
The Growth Rate of the Black Tower Elderberry
The Black Tower Elderberry is described as having a fast growth rate. According to the information I gathered from online plant retailers and growers, this elderberry grows at an impressive 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.
So in just a short time span of 2 to 3 years this plant can transform from a small shrub into an 8-foot privacy screen or vertical accent in the garden. The quick growth makes it ideal if you’re looking for a fast impact in your landscape.
Factors Affecting the Growth Rate
While the Black Tower Elderberry is genetically predisposed to rapid growth, there are some factors that affect its growth rate:
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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?
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.
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.