Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the tips of new, soft growth.
- Check for a sticky substance on the leaves called honeydew.
- See if ants are crawling on the stems, as they often farm aphids.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tips of new branches. The leaves may look sticky or curled.
What to do: Blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your garden hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the insects every 5 to 7 days. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, as these encourage the soft growth that aphids love.
Scale insects
PossibleHow to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps attached to the stems. They do not move and can be scraped off with a fingernail.
What to do: Scrape off visible scales with a soft brush or cloth. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to smother any remaining eggs. Monitor the plant closely throughout the spring.
Find out what's wrong with your silverberry
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Worry if the new growth is stunted or if the plant shows signs of significant stress. A few aphids are normal and will often be controlled by ladybugs.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and avoid over fertilizing. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings in your garden.
Silverberry: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silverberry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Are the ants hurting my plant?
- The ants are likely there to eat the sweet honeydew produced by aphids. They protect the aphids, so getting rid of the aphids will make the ants leave.
- Can I use neem oil?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and scale. Apply it in the early morning or late evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Silverberry
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.