Hi there, I'm having a problem with my delphinium that I haven't seen before. Some of the leaves are showing black discoloration by the stem, and the leaves are curling up. There is also brown/black streaks on the main plant stalk. The flower shoots are black and stunted. About 20% of the plant is affected. I see no visible pest. Have you ever seen this before? I have about 8 plants, and all but 2 are showing these symptoms. I'd love to save them.

Hi Terry; Check inside the leaves, even the ones in a ball and see if you find a little green worm. This is your culprit. Get rid of the worm and you will have beautiful delphiniums. Once they are gone they do not come back...till next year.

Sorry Terry I did not introduce myself. I check for worms as soon as the plants are up. Some times this heads them off before they start eating the plant. Good luck and have a great gardening season.

Sorry Terry I did not introduce myself. I check for worms as soon as the plants are up. Some times this heads them off before they start eating the plant. Good luck and have a great gardening season.

Thanks Wendy. I don't see any worms, but I'll keep checking. I assume they're really tiny. Do you know the name of our little friend? I might buy a spray to help save the plants.

Terry you will find them encased in some of the leaves. I find the leave takes the shape of a ball and the little catapillar is inside. They climg the plant in the spring so once you kill them off they do not come back. no need for sprays, doubt there is one. But just a little time picking them off the plant is all you will need.