Troubleshooting
Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' problems — and how to fix them
Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' (Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leaf miner
Columbine leaf miners tunnel pale trails through the leaves. Damage is cosmetic only; shear the foliage to the base after flowering to encourage clean new growth.
Powdery mildew
A white coating develops on stressed or crowded plants in dry summers. Cut back tired foliage post-bloom, water at the base, and space plants for good airflow.
Seedling variability
Although fairly true from seed, self-sown 'Black Barlow' seedlings can drift in colour and form. Deadhead to limit spread, or rogue out off-types to keep the dark-flowered character.
Crown rot in wet ground
Heavy, waterlogged winter soil rots the crown. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid sites where water sits to ensure the clump survives cold, wet seasons.
Prevent aquilegia 'black barlow' problems before they start
Most aquilegia 'black barlow' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common columbine problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' watering schedule
- Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' light requirements
- Best soil mix for aquilegia 'black barlow'
- Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' temperature & humidity
- Full aquilegia 'black barlow' care guide
Looking for aquilegia 'black barlow' in general rather than its problems? Read the full aquilegia 'black barlow' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' problems — FAQ
Why is my aquilegia 'black barlow' leaf miner?
Columbine leaf miners tunnel pale trails through the leaves. Damage is cosmetic only; shear the foliage to the base after flowering to encourage clean new growth.
Why is my aquilegia 'black barlow' powdery mildew?
A white coating develops on stressed or crowded plants in dry summers. Cut back tired foliage post-bloom, water at the base, and space plants for good airflow.
Why is my aquilegia 'black barlow' seedling variability?
Although fairly true from seed, self-sown 'Black Barlow' seedlings can drift in colour and form. Deadhead to limit spread, or rogue out off-types to keep the dark-flowered character.
Why is my aquilegia 'black barlow' crown rot in wet ground?
Heavy, waterlogged winter soil rots the crown. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid sites where water sits to ensure the clump survives cold, wet seasons.