Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and prevent potential rot.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in a very hot climate, direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade to yellow.

Western columbine: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it feels soggy.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Look for signs of pests on the underside of the leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so water does not pool at the roots.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this once in early spring to support healthy growth.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your western columbine

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure the soil drains well.

Western columbine: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western columbine and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and prevent potential rot.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in a very hot climate, direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade to yellow.

Why are my Western columbine leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your western columbine?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient Deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your western columbine

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Western columbine: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Western columbine