It is infested with aphids - that's what those little black creatures are and that contorted, deformed growth on the end of the stems is classic aphid damage. The aphids feed on the tender leaf buds just as they are unfurling, resulting in that damage. Try using some insecticidal soap to control or often, just spraying the plant with a strong stream of water will help.

Have you fertilized at all?

Highbush cranberry = Viburnum trilobum.

Hello,

Thanks for the info. I feared this is what it would be. I'll try some soap. I was considering buying a bunch of lady bugs as well.

I haven't fertilized this year since it is now established in the ground. Do you think I should?

It doesn't look to need any ferts. If you overfertilize you'll just make it more attractive to pests.

tj

tj made my point for me :-) Excessive fertilization, especially with a high N fert, makes plants very vulnerable to insect problems, particularly aphids. But sometimes they just appear anyway.

Don't worry, just trim off the contorted leaves and keep the plant watered, but not too wet. Drought stress, over-fertilization, both attract aphids and other bad bugs. It's hard to keep ladybugs in your garden once they're released. I would try a different tactic to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Never spray pesticides or herbicides, add a layer of compost around established shrubs, water with manure tea. Highbush cranberry could also be Viburnum opulus, that's the trouble with common names. :)