The bush is only about 18 inches high and was planted in May in clay soil I water every 3 days.
Cultural controls are your best bet. Here are common pests of elderberry trees:
https://extension.psu.edu/insect-pests-in-elderberries-in-home-fruit-plantings
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
so I assume it gets enough water.
As Lemony Lace elderberry foliage ages, it turns a chartreuse color and that is normal.
My black elderberry is 2 years old and are growing straight up like 9 ft stalks. How do I get it to bush out more, and can I top it? There have also been no blooms on it or berries.
I have never seen an elderberry like that. Is it black elder or black lace? I would consult the place from which you purchased it and see if it is growing properly. You will get cross pollination with a second variety. Here are some guidelines to follow.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/pruning-an-elderberry.htm
I have a large Elder bush, and have read your opening advice, however you mention pruning. There is no mention of a pruning method. Please reply. Regards Howard I live in the North of the North Island New Zealand
Here is an article on pruning elderberry: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/pruning-an-elderberry.htm
My common elderberry grows beautifully right up to the flowering stage, then it gets curled leaves on the branch close to the flower heads, they bloom poorly then wilt up producing no fruit. I was initially told it needed a pollinator I planted one 25' away, it shows no sign of this illness, but my black lace elderberry 100' away has started to develop the same symptoms. I had an insect specialist come out and he could find no signs of infestation.. suggested it may be a bacteria or fungus. I have had no luck reaching out to the local extension agency and live just far enough out I am having no luck with local 'tree experts'. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Beings as it is Feb I have no photos to show.. Thank you all for helping if possible!
Unfortunately, without some help, it can be very difficult to figure out which fungus/bacteria is the culprit.
This does sound like an infection, though. They can be quite difficult to correct, but many fungicides will do the trick with a little diligence and persistence.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/using-lime-sulfur-in-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/edible/fruits/elderberry
I like the look and size of both the Black Lace and the Lemon Lace Sambuca, and I was wondering if they would work together as cross-pollinators. I can't find any specifics on this. The answer is always much more vague. Thank you for any help you can provide.
They are different species, so they will have a very hard time crossing. This can be done, but it is usually done under strict conditions to allow the breeders to ensure that cross pollination, is indeed, happening as intended.
The short answer for the home gardener is that it is not very likely. There is no harm in trying, but you will not know until the next generation of seed grows,and shows characteristics of either one or both parents. In order to keep any traits from that generation, there will be a need to back cross a few times to the parent with the traits that you are looking for.
This collection of articles will offer more information on elderberries: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/edible/fruits/elderberry/page/2
Particularly tomatoes. Thanks!
They don't seem to have many incompatible plants. The best thing to do is to plant things with a similar nature, and habit to the Elderberry.
I would imagine that tomatoes will fare just fine near the shrub. Certain cultivars may do better than others, so you may need to experiment some.
Here is an article that will give you ideas of proven companions to them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberry-plant-companions.htm