This tall and slender deciduous shrub is primarily grown for its foliage, which emerges green in spring, but (if exposed to lots of sun) will soon turn a deep burgundy colour. In early summer, the stems are crowned with big, flattened sprays of lightly perfumed, small pink flowers. It makes a dramatic stand-alone statement, and is useful for adding contrast and interest to the shrub border. For best foliage colour grow it in full sun, otherwise it can fade to a greenish-bronze.
How to care for Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Tower ('Eiffel 1') (PBR):
To achieve the best foliage effect cut back to ground level each year in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
1.25m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; fruit/flowers edible if cooked