Will aphids kill my elderberry?

Usually no, but they can stunt growth and weaken the plant. It is best to treat them early before they spread.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances.

Siebold's elderberry: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of new leaves for clusters of tiny insects.
Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
Check for lines of ants traveling along the branches.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects massing on the tips of new stems. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: You notice ants crawling up and down the stems constantly. They are likely protecting the aphids to harvest their honeydew.
What to do: Eliminate the aphids first, as the ants will leave once their food source is gone. You can also place a sticky barrier around the base of the stem to block ant access.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your siebold's elderberry

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.

When to worry

Small numbers are usually manageable, but you should act if the new growth starts to twist or turn yellow. If the entire plant is covered, it is time for a serious treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper water and light to help it resist attacks. You can also encourage ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids.

Siebold's elderberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your siebold's elderberry 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

Will aphids kill my elderberry?: Usually no, but they can stunt growth and weaken the plant. It is best to treat them early before they spread.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Siebold's elderberry?