blackfly? on viburnum

[caroline7758]

Just noticed today that my Viburnum Bodnantense "Dawn" has got clusters of black stuff at the tips.Not sure if it's blackfly, didn't think they cluster together that much. Noticed some ants on it aswell- do they eat blackfly? It's only a small plant, in a pot at the moment. Any ideas on cause or cure, please?

[caroline7758]

[valmarg]

Yes Caroline, I would say definitely blackfly, particularly with the presence of the ants.  Ants 'milk' black/greenfly for their honeydew to feed their larvae.

As your plant is in a pot, I would suggest watering with Provado, being an ornamental, rather than edible plant.  It is a systemic insecticide, and should get rid of the problem.

valmarg

[Robert_Brenchley]

No need for anything so drastic; a spray of slightly soapy water will kill them.

[caroline7758]

Thanks, Robert, that's what I was planning to do.