I have a Sam bu cra hydrus apparently thriving in a large tub but noticed ants seem to be building small mounds of soil in the crevices of the branches. Is this a problem for the plant
I can't see well from that photo, but they are likely following aphids!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
I first noticed the leaves turning yellow, then brown, then fall off as a branch. Being young, it is not a very big bush. It is in a transplant pot as well.(I planned on planting it in the ground next spring) As I proceeded to trim off yellow/brown leaves I noticed the top piece of the trunk was like a shell. I cut it off, only to find that it was hollowed out even further down towards the pot itself. I ended up cutting it all the way to the soil before it was not hollowed out; white inside and woody outside. The plant still has 3 canes left that started growth below where I cut the trunk. The canes are green, with no leaves left, and are between 12 to 24 inches. I also spray painted the tips of the canes to prevent any new disease. I don't know if that was a good thing; I do it for the trees. Thank you for any and all help. I really would like to know what went wrong as I couldn't find any information on this situation.
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. There are many heart rot and root rot fungi that will do this, and they have no cure, unfortunately.
Usually, once you find this, the plant will need to be replaced. Keeping it healthy will keep it from contracting the illness again.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/heart-rot-in-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
cause this? This tree has been in my garden for probably 15 year now and this is the first time it has happened. We have just had our patio re-paved and the tree is at the corner...could this have caused this issue? I've never had ANY problems with this tree at all...grows like crazy!
This can happen with Verticillium Wilt disease. Certain portions of a plant or tree can die off, at random. If this is the case, there will not be a cure, but only treatment.
Should a fungicide take care of the issue, then you can assume that it is something less sinister. This appears to be something that will need, near constant, maintenance, though.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/verticillium-wilt-treatment.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
I have an elderberry bush that I put in the ground 2 years ago. It’s grown quickly, starting at about 1 foot in height, and is now 5 feet tall. It has three branches, but it seems to only grow upward and not outward. It gets direct sunlight for about 8 hours daily. We have a sprinkler system with soakers, so it’s getting water. It shows no sign of disease. I fertilize. The leaves are beautiful and healthy. Is it time to prune? I’m in Iowa, and it’s been cold so we don’t have beds yet.
Since the plant is still dormant, and it has been in ground for two years, I would recommend doing so as soon as you can!
Here is an article for more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/pruning-an-elderberry.htm
I currently have two Blueberry bushes in my garden and would like to plant the Elderberry bushes in the same row. Is this acceptable planting or would they cross pollinate? If this is not acceptable planting how far apart should the bushes be planted from each other?
They are not of the same species, so you can plant them nearby.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/growing-blueberry.htm
My elderberry bushes are 2 years old and no flowers, all different varieties. Why don’t they produce?
It can take up to three years to see flowers and fruit. Fertilization and pruning are also possibilities. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberries-not-fruiting.htm
I had some canes had some incredible growth on them in about six weeks into it these branches they died off
You don't need to pinch off any new growth. Softwood cuttings would work best, taken in spring. Also be sure to change the water at least once a week.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/rooting-elderberry-cuttings.htm