Knowledgebase

Columbine leaves discoloring #348352

Asked July 30, 2016, 5:47 PM EDT

What's wrong with my columbine? The leaves are losing color, and the tips are turning brown and curling. There are webs around the leaves, though that started after the discoloring did. It gets a lot of afternoon sun. It looked fine earlier in the season.

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

The columbine is infested with spider mites; they suck out liquids from leaf cells, leaving whitish-brown empty cells. The webbing is another indication of spider mite infestation.

Look at the leaf undersides with a hand lens/magnifying glass to see lots of spider mites there.

Spider mites like hot, dry dusty conditions. If your columbine is on a S exposure in full sun, the location may be contributing to the spider mite problem.   You could consider moving the columbine to a part sun, cooler location next spring, or make sure that it gets some water on the leaf undersides. Using a water wand hose attachment, spray water in a fine mist up and onto the leaf undersides 2-3 times a week during hot weather. Water alone can deter spider mites.

More details on spider mites from CSU Extension: http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spider-mites-5-507/

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2016, 1:34 PM EDT

PS-

rock mulch and brick hold and reradiate heat back into the plant - promoting spider mite populations.    Suggest you move the columbine to a cooler location next spring.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2016, 1:37 PM EDT

You're right - I did find little bugs on the undersides of the leaves. Your information is very helpful. Thank you so much!

The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2016, 4:56 PM EDT

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