Troubleshooting
Columbine problems — and how to fix them
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Columbine leaf miner (Phytomyza aquilegiana / P. aquilegivora)
Tiny fly larvae tunnel through leaves producing white serpentine or blotch mines; cosmetically disfiguring but rarely fatal. Remove and destroy affected leaves promptly; cultivate soil around plants in early spring to disturb overwintering pupae.
Aquilegia downy mildew
A virulent fungal disease causing spreading yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces and white fluffy growth beneath; cool, damp weather accelerates spread and there is no effective chemical control. Remove infected foliage immediately and improve spacing for air circulation.
Prevent columbine problems before they start
Most columbine issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Columbine problems — FAQ
Why is my columbine columbine leaf miner (phytomyza aquilegiana / p. aquilegivora)?
Tiny fly larvae tunnel through leaves producing white serpentine or blotch mines; cosmetically disfiguring but rarely fatal. Remove and destroy affected leaves promptly; cultivate soil around plants in early spring to disturb overwintering pupae.
Why is my columbine aquilegia downy mildew?
A virulent fungal disease causing spreading yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces and white fluffy growth beneath; cool, damp weather accelerates spread and there is no effective chemical control. Remove infected foliage immediately and improve spacing for air circulation.