Ladybugs from the store

Hi All -
I just moved to a new property in upstate NY (yay!) and inherited lots of perennials including some beautiful elderberry.
This morning I noticed that the elders have a bunch of black aphids and that some of the leaves on branches with the aphids are yellowing.
So I started spraying with some soapy water when I noticed a ladybug!

A couple questions for the group:
Short term solution:
1) How do you feel about the ladybugs you can buy from the garden center? Should I grab a tub of those and release them to feast? I only sprayed maybe three clumps of aphids so there's plenty to nom.

2) The infestation is pretty intense - at this point do I just soap spray them and plan for attracting more ladybugs for next year?

Long term solution:
3) I'd love to guild up my elderberries and have found some lists of plants that attract ladybugs (nasturtium, dill, etc.). Anyone have suggestions for additional plant friends for my elders? They are in partial shade.

Thanks all!
Looking forward to connecting on this!
Beth

I live in an area with a lot of birds and while ladybugs get rid of aphids usually the birds get rid of the ladybugs (I assume). The birds got to the berries before I did last year too.

I have observed purple dead nettle, and bur chervil do well around my elderberries. Not sure what they attract though I have never seen aphids on my elderberry.

I'd say ladybugs can't hurt and should try them out this year to see how many stick around before investing in plants to attract them.

I've heard that nettles attract lady bugs, particularly that they like to lay their eggs on them. I've yet to observe it for myself. But I did notice a whole bunch of tall nettle (Urtica dioca) pop up next to my elderberries. They seem to be great companions so far and hopefully will bring in the ladybugs! I imagine stinging nettle or wood nettle would also work well.

it may not be the most pleasant option, but for a bad aphid infestation, i’d probably take a rag or something and physically get as many as possible out of the way before trying other things. just smear the little rascals. minimize the amount of soap you’re spraying, etc.

ladybugs are alright, but i wish you could buy a package of ladybug larvae. they won’t get distracted and fly away.

Awesome - thank you all!