Sambucus nigra 'Golden Tower’

Sambucus nigra ‘Golden Tower’: A Slim Column of Chartreuse Light

Sambucus nigra ‘Golden Tower’ brings bold foliage colour in a beautifully narrow form, perfect when you want height without the width. Deeply incised leaves emerge lime green, then mature to a clear yellow-green that brightens borders all season. In early spring, flattened panicles of white flowers add a soft, airy layer, followed by edible berries later on. Its stiff, columnar habit gives gardens a clean, architectural look that stands out in both modern and classic designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 300 cm
• Spread: 60 cm
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Early spring
• Foliage: Deeply incised foliage, emerging lime green and maturing to yellow-green
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: ‘Golden Tower’ is ideal as a vertical accent in tight spaces, near entryways, along fences, or anywhere a slim, upright shrub can add structure. Its yellow-green foliage is excellent for lifting darker evergreens and adding contrast in mixed shrub borders. Use it in pairs to frame a view, or repeat it to create a rhythmic, columnar line through the landscape. Flowers and berries add extra seasonal interest, while the narrow footprint keeps plantings looking intentional and uncluttered.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the strongest foliage colour, with part shade acceptable in hotter sites. Water regularly during the first growing season, then provide moisture during extended dry spells to keep growth fresh. Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a crisp, narrow shape and encourage vigorous new shoots, since the best foliage display comes from strong, healthy growth. Remove any damaged or crossing branches as needed for airflow and form.

History: ‘Golden Tower’ was selected for its unusually narrow, columnar habit and its bright, finely cut foliage, bringing a more architectural look to elderberry. It offers the classic seasonal sequence of flower, foliage, and berry, while fitting into smaller gardens and design-driven spaces where traditional forms can feel too broad.

Final Thoughts: For gardeners who want a clean vertical line and long-season colour, ‘Golden Tower’ delivers a strong, luminous presence that makes borders look sharper, brighter, and more designed.