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Gardeners’ Forum: “black beauty elderberry”

• black beauty elderberry

  Posted by Pat on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 9:41 PM ADT

  Help,My elderberry is 3 years old and this year just 2 branch has leaves on it. It is only 3' tall and wide and does not have a lot of branches. Mostly just main branches. It is in a protected area. It has been suggested that I remove all old branches which would be 3/4 of the bush leaving 2 branches on one side. When I look in the catalogue the bush is nice and bushy not all cut off. After 3 years it does not make any sense. Help

  • re: black beauty elderberry

    Posted by Judy on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 9:06 PM ADT

    I have had my black beauty elderberry bush for four years now and it hasn't bloomed yet also tiny black clusters of bugs seem to appear on the new tender shoots are these aphids and how should i treat them any advice would be appreciated.

  • re: black beauty elderberry

    Posted by Linda on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 5:50 PM ADT

    small (about the size of a sesame seed) soft black insects that produce a sticky residue might be aphids. Lots of predator bugs like aphids, so unless you are in danger of losing your plant, I wouldn't treat. You can knock down their numbers by washing the masses off with a heavy spray of water or insecticidal soap. Just remember that pesticides will also reduce your beneficial insects. One beneficial is worth 100's of pests. Sorry I have no advice about your black beauty as I have also just obtained one. The leaves are sparse and I don't expect to get good growth for a year or two. I'll check back then:}