[robinahood]

I have a honeysuckle which is really not attractive once these aphids get going, they are concealed within the folds of the new leaves and buds, and spoil the flowers. I also get mildew on some of the leaves. My soil is quite poor and dry, should I just give up and accept, or has anyone any ideas on how to tackle these aphids organically?  Spraying them with a jet of   water wouldn't work because they are not on the surface, the birds don't help much because its a city garden with lots of cats around!!!

[mumofstig]

Hopefully some Ladybirds are on their way - see if you have any somewhere else in the garden and move them onto the honeysuckle.

Give the plant a good watering to strengthen it, it it's dry at the roots.

[JayG]

A friend of mine and myself have both found that the 'Belgian' honeysuckle cultivars are much more prone to aphid attack than the also popular 'Halliana', which rarely seems to be affected at all.

That's not much help to you if you happen to have a 'Belgica' - I suggest spraying with very dilute washing up liquid if the ladybirds don't turn up in time.

[New shoot]

Mildew on honeysuckle leaves is a sure sign the soil is too dry.  You could give the plant a really thorough water, then mulch with compost or manure.  The worms will slowly drag it down and enrich the soil.  Leave a gap somewhere down to bare soil, so you can keep watering while this happening.

If you don't want to use chemicals for the aphids, a weekly soap spray will help, as JayG says.  It is thicker than water and will trickle into more of the leaf folds.  You can make your own or buy it and there are certified organic versions available.

[robinahood]

Thanks for your advice all, I am really in favour of the right plant, right place thing and it really looks like I chose the wrong thing for the conditions, I will give your ideas a go but ultimately it may be a chance for a change!!

[Beekissed]

We've used sulphur dust for both things and it seems to work very well....cleared up the mildew and aphids.