How to Care for Columbines With Black Spots on the Leaves

Columbines are graceful, bell-shaped flowers that are right at home in wildflower meadows and cottage gardens. Many of the hybrids are valuable assets to formal perennial beds as well. Columbine is susceptible to viral leaf spot diseases, particularly the necrotic spot virus, and there is no cure. Infected plants must be removed and destroyed. Thrips spread the disease as they feed on the plants, and controlling thrips is an important part of controlling the disease.

Hand trowel
Garbage bag
Blue sticky traps
Insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Dig up columbine plants infested with viral leaf spot disease. Place them in a plastic bag and dispose of them immediately. Don't compost the plants.
- 2
  Clean up the garden area, removing and disposing of fallen leaves and flowers.
- 3
  Control weeds by cultivating and pulling them. Dispose of them in plastic bags. Weeds aid in the spread of disease by harboring insects and disease viruses.
- 4
  Control thrips to prevent the spread of viral necrotic spot virus. Place blue sticky traps near the columbine plants to monitor for thrips, and treat the plants for thrips as long as you continue to capture them on the traps.
- 5
  Spray with an insecticide labeled for use against thrips. Carefully follow the application instructions and recommended spraying intervals. Pay particular attention to the undersides of the leaves.

How to Thin Agapanthus

How to Pot Daisies

Growing Flowers