Can anyone tell me if this is a virus or some other disease affecting my columbine? If it is, what can I do to combat it? I love this plant and really don't want to lose it. Thanks.
columbine virus??
Another view.
I don't know what the problem is, but I suggest
you cut off the infected leaves and burn them.
and clean your sheers between each cut and after you're done with 50% water and 50% bleach solution just in case.
Thanks. I will do that.
Are they in full sun? It looks a bit like sunburn.
Some are and some aren't in full sun so I don't think it is that. I have been trying to do my own research. According to Michigan State University Extension columbines are affected by cucumber mosaic virus. Does anyone know what this looks like? I have never seen the stuff. Could it be that?
Thanks.
I have lots of columbines and have never seen anything like that before.
Mick, my columbine here in Seward do the same thing late in the season. Mostly the ones that are in pots on my tables. I think it could be the late summer rains or perhaps be a result of aphids. Maybe we should submit your picture to the Extension Service to see what they have to say.
Sorry Weez, I just read your post today. I contacted AK Master Gardeners and got several suggestions from them. One person said that it looked like a deficency in magnesium and suggested that I try adding some epsom salt to the soil. I did so and that seemed to take care of the problem. It helped my columbines and also seemed to stop the reddening of some of the leaves on my pigsqueaks. I just sprinkled it on the soil and then watered well.
epsom salt???? wow, never heard of using this in your gardens, :) Man the things you learn here on DG. I love this site.
cg
Lots of things benefit from Epsom salt! I use it when I plant tomatoes and also water brugs, tomatoes and peppers and others with it.
Thanks for the followup, cg. It's a bit late in the season here now, but next year I'll give it a try. Maybe aquilegia have a high magnesium requirement that depletes the soil, and by fall the deficiency begins to harm my plants. I'll have to make a note to myself for next season.