Why Does My Bellflower Look Unhealthy?

Are the leaves, stems, and buds distorted and sticky?

Are the leaves discolored and distorted?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are the leaves and flowers distorted and with brown spots on them?

Are the leaves yellow and wilting, stems blackened at the base and the plant is toppling over?

Does your bellflower have mottled or streaked leaves?

Distorted leaves, stems and buds are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Discolored and distorted leaves are caused by leafhoppers. These small, green or brown insects feed by sucking juices from leaves undersides. Leafhoppers may be the carriers of the Mosaic virus, so it is important to keep them in control. Insecticidal soap helps with severe infestations.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Onion thrips often feed on the bellflowers. Adults are tiny, slender, yellow to brown, rapidly moving, winged insects. The larvae can barely be seen with the naked eye. Treat plants with insecticidal soap or a commercial pyrethrin spray or dust to control thrip infestations.

Stem rot or crown rots cause these symptoms. These problems are common when bellflowers are kept overly wet or are grown in poorly drained soil. Remove and destroy infected plants and surrounding soil. Let the soil dry somewhat between waterings, and incorporate organic matter to improve soil drainage. Avoid overwatering and overcrowding. Keep winter mulch away from the crowns to prevent excess moisture.

Mottled or streaked leaves are caused by Mosaic virus. There is no cure for infected plants. Remove and destroy all flowers that have the symptoms of the mosaic virus. Mosaic virus is spread by aphids and leafhoppers, so the best way of preventing the disease is to control these insects.

Some environmental issues or poor growing conditions may have caused your bellflowers to look unhealthy. Bellflowers prefer full sun to light shade; well-drained, organic soil and regular watering. A layer of mulch helps keep the root zone cool and holds in moisture during hot summer weather, and a winter mulch protects roots from heaving.