Honeysuckle Buds Are Turning Brown Or Black

Question From: J. Reid - Trumansburg, New York, United States
Q: My 4-year-old honeysuckle vine produced lots of buds, but the buds and some partly opened flowers are shriveling and turning brown or black. The spring was cool with lots of rain, and a few warm days recently. This has happened well after the last frost. No chemicals have been used in the area. The leaves look healthy except some just behind the flowers are also turning black. Is this a mold?
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A: My guess is your plants have either aphids, some sort of fungal disease, or both. Take samples to your independent garden center for an accurate ID and form of control. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy