It looks kind of like the blackspot that roses get. It starts out as literally black spots, then the surrounding area turns yellow. I don't have a photo right now, but I can get one if it'll help. Does anyone know what it might be, and what I can do about it?
Kelly
Black spots on my columbine leaves?
How's your drainage in the area? I don't think columbine get the blackspot disease roses get, but I have seen them suffer kind of like that if they're too wet. Would like to see a pic.
They're in a container that has several holes in the bottom, although we've also had a lot of rain lately, too.
Ok, some photos. Here's how it seems to start.
Here's what it turns into before the whole leaf shrivels up, turns brown, and I pick it off:
And here's what the flower looks like. :)
Hmmm. It suprises me that it's in a container. That looks like symptoms I've seen before, but if I recall correctly it was an isolated occurance and the infected plant died before I could figure out what to do for it. Ok DGers, put your thinking caps on!
Oh, no! Gemini, what did you try that didn't work?
I bought two of them, and both of them have it to one degree or another. I've been pruning off whatever leaves I see that have the spots, but so far can't seem to get ahead of it. I think I only paid $5 each for these plants, but I still don't want to lose them! The flowers are just so cool. :)
Help!
Kelly
I found this on the internet:
http://www.mygardenguide.com/plant_detail.html?id=14709
Fungi : Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungi or bacteria. Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular, with a water soaked or yellow-edged appearance. Insects, rain, dirty garden tools, or even people can help its spread.
Prevention and Control: Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry. Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible; water should be directed at soil level. For fungal leaf spots, use a recommended fungicide according to label directions.
Gemini: did you try using a fungicide on your columbine at the time?
Kelly
It's been a few years, but I'm thinking the problem got too bad before I even realized it. I used to be really bad about not paying enough attention to plants after they bloomed.
Well, I prunced off almost all of the affected leaves (there seem to be new ones every day), and I just bought Garden Safe's Fungicide 3. I guess it's a fungicide, insecticide, and miticide all in one, and it's made from neem oil. Wish me luck!
Kelly
Um... prunced? I mean pruned. :)
This message was edited Jun 23, 2005 12:21 AM
That's a good sign that new leaves are sprouting. Good luck saving those babies!
I have an update:
They're doing so much better! Since my last post, I haven't really picked off any more leaves. I picked off a couple today from the one that had been in worse shape, but only because there was a single small black spot on each of the leaves, and I wanted to stay on top of things. My columbines are finally starting to look healthy!
Kelly