What's eating my aquilegia 'nora barlow'?

Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' is susceptible to the same pests as all columbines. Leaf miners are nearly universal, creating winding white trails through the foliage by early summer. Aphids colonize stems, and sawfly larvae defoliate plants quickly. Rabbits and deer browse in gardens with high wildlife pressure.

White to tan winding tunnels inside leaf tissue; severely affected leaves shrivel and turn papery brown. Pick off mined leaves promptly; cut the whole plant back after flowering — fresh, clean foliage re-emerges quickly.

Soft colonies on new growth and flower stems; honeydew, sooty mold, and distorted buds are typical signs. Water jet or insecticidal soap spray; neem oil as a deterrent; encourage beneficial insects.

Larvae feed in groups and can strip an entire plant of foliage within a week; look for green caterpillar-like larvae on leaf undersides. Hand-remove larval clusters; insecticidal soap spray on leaf undersides; cut back badly affected growth.

Clean-cut stems close to ground level; young spring growth and flower stalks are primary targets. Wire mesh guards around individual plants or the bed perimeter; apply rabbit-repellent sprays to foliage.