Columbine Flowering Somewhat But Leaves Are Gone.

Question

Living in zone 5 west Michigan, divided and replanted my columbine last year after done blooming. Plants look a little wimpy, and the foliage is completely gone but the plant itself is flowering some what. What could be the reason? Can I fix it at all?? Tried to upload a few photos not sure if it worked. Thanks!!

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Answer 1

You probably had an animal visitor or the columbine sawflies were numerous. I don't think it was related to the dividing and replanting. Bunnies and groundhogs will eat columbine leaves. Sawfly caterpillars will defoliate the whole plant except for the stems and flowers, much like yours.

Here is more:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-columbine-pests-columbine-leafminer-and-columbine-sawfly/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine/columbine-flower.htm