Growli

Troubleshooting

Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' problems — and how to fix them

Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' (Aquilegia vulgaris 'Nora 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 leave white winding trails in the foliage. The harm is cosmetic; cut the leaves back hard after flowering and fresh, clean growth follows.

Powdery mildew

White mildew can coat stressed plants in dry, crowded conditions. Shear spent foliage after bloom, water at soil level, and give plants room for air movement.

Aphids on buds

Aphids sometimes cluster on flower stems and buds, distorting opening blooms. Dislodge them with a jet of water or encourage natural predators before colonies build up.

Self-seeding spread

It seeds prolifically and seedlings vary, sometimes reverting to simpler flowers. Deadhead before pods ripen to control spread and preserve the distinctive double form.

Prevent aquilegia 'nora barlow' problems before they start

Most aquilegia 'nora barlow' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Looking for aquilegia 'nora barlow' in general rather than its problems? Read the full aquilegia 'nora barlow' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.

Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' problems — FAQ

Why is my aquilegia 'nora barlow' leaf miner?

Columbine leaf miners leave white winding trails in the foliage. The harm is cosmetic; cut the leaves back hard after flowering and fresh, clean growth follows.

Why is my aquilegia 'nora barlow' powdery mildew?

White mildew can coat stressed plants in dry, crowded conditions. Shear spent foliage after bloom, water at soil level, and give plants room for air movement.

Why is my aquilegia 'nora barlow' aphids on buds?

Aphids sometimes cluster on flower stems and buds, distorting opening blooms. Dislodge them with a jet of water or encourage natural predators before colonies build up.

Why is my aquilegia 'nora barlow' self-seeding spread?

It seeds prolifically and seedlings vary, sometimes reverting to simpler flowers. Deadhead before pods ripen to control spread and preserve the distinctive double form.