Beginner Gardening: What went wrong?, 0 by BlakeInCanada

BlakeInCanada wrote:
After transplanting my Columbines outside into the ground (black earth + some dirt), they have been doing so badly. I have cut off many leaf branches that had died hoping to divert nutrients to the healthy ones, but I'm afraid I'll lose them anyway. At first I realized I should have been watering them more, and once I did, they became a little more sturdy, but some branches & leaves have been changing colours and some shriveling up and going limp.

By comparison, the healthy ones I have in pots are bright green in leaf and only the slightest blush near the crown.

I'll upload 4 pics to show the problems. First, all of the plants have been turning red/purple and some are blotches of purple on the leaves. Second, the edges of some leaves are going dark. Third, sections of leaves are turning yellow and limp.

This picture is the plant with only 1 leaf branch left and I fear its demise is imminent (months down the drain). I've tried so hard. :(

If anyone can help save them, please take the time.

Thanks.