I have two columbines in a shady area of the garden. The plants come up strong each year, but then just before the blooms come out, I notice the black fuzzy "stuff" on the stems indicating aphids. Each year this has happened, the plants are now 3 years old. I spray the plants, remove the infected stalks and leave, to no avail. Ideas??? They are not the double columbines, but the bloom (when it actually comes), is more fuzzy like an astilbe. (Don't know if that makes any difference).
Thanks!

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Been good thanks!
Soil: on the dry side, have added peat moss this year.
In shade - fairly dense shade as trees grow in and leaf out. They are out in the garden, next plant to them is a cranberry bush which does great. They are situated in a bed at the side of the house - so I guess you could say they are "foundation" planted?
Hope that helps - and hope you can help me!
Am frustrated - want to pull them out!!!



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Tried a few things - commercial aphid spray, and a "home mix" suggestion from the local garden store of liq. sunlight/water.
Both kill the aphid, but don't cure the problem, as when it leafs out again - same thing.

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A suggestion..
When the plant goes to seed,
take that seed pod and sprinkle the contents
in a few places you might like some new columbines..
*away from where it is now*

Just sprinkle on top of soil, no need to cover
or ammend the soil...

Or if you like, leave the pod whole, with a bit of dried stem on it, and just stick it into the ground, then when it's dried enough and brittle it'll fall over all by it's self...

Mine re~seed prolifically, and I never do a thing to them....
but let mother nature do all the work for me..


I can add though, these are my Grannies variety..
Which seem quite hardy and almost a weed like tendancy to survive..
I have grown the more newer hybrid's I guess you can say, and haven't had much luck with them sometimes...

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

OMG those purple columbines are so pretty - I want those ones instead of the ***** ones I have!!


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