We relocated this columbine to a temporary bed in the fall of 2023 and then to a permanent home in the spring of 2024. Last year, it did not thrive, even after we placed an ant trap among the stems, thinking that the tiny invaders we noticed were causing the problem. This spring the plant still looks sad and stunted. I would like to preserve it if there is any hope for it and would appreciate suggestions.
My suspicion, from the fried leaf margins and the appearance of the surrounding soil, is that the plant is drying out too much due to the root ball of soil not making full contact with the surrounding soil. There could be open pockets under there. That is assuming you kept a ball of the original soil around the roots when you first moved it. So you could try using some small tool to probe around and maybe break things up enough to fill in the pockets. Nature would eventually do this for you. Also be a good idea to water the heck out of it and then surround it with a thick, 3"+, layer of mulch to keep moisture in more consistently. That's my .02. Good luck with it!
Thank you for taking the time to give such detailed advice. Yes, we did keep a ball of the original soil around the roots when we first moved it. I'll try your suggestions. Thank you!
