Although you would think such graceful - reckon flowers would be unmanageable to grow , the iris family requires very little maintenance . These long - lived , unfearing perennials can grow in a variety of soils ply it drain well and they can flourish in full sun to fond shade . However , just because they ’re easy to develop does not mean that they ’re without their parcel of problems .
1. Winter Rot (Botrytis)
The sooner you identify the signs of wintertime decomposition , the faster you could off the moved plants from your garden so others are n’t compromised . There is not a lot known about this fungus other than its destructive and is typically see during the freeze and dethaw catamenia consociate with springiness .
This corky , dry bunk will often get out the rhizome much weightless . you’re able to name it by fatal sclerotia that resemble a brain , measuring about half an inch wide .
Generally take away the strike rhizome is enough to remedy the problem , side shoot and new growth will often be free of infection . The well-heeled manner to avert wintertime rot is to mulch to a great extent in insensate climate .
2. Mustard Seed Fungus
Sclerotium rolfsii is the pathogen that is commonly referred to as Indian mustard seed fungus . It receives this name because it deliver itself as spherical and brown , interchangeable to the color and sizing of mustard semen . bet on geographics , some also know this iris job as tip rot or southern blight . It is land - bear and just waits patiently for you to plant an iris so it can attack .
Mustard seminal fluid fungus does n’t usually show up until later in the bounce or the beginning of summertime when the rooter are start to expire . When you inspect the plant , you will notice that the rootstalk appear to be scale - like , crusty and the solution will look like a mass of thread . Around the plant , in the footing is where you ’ll see these seeds disperse .
This problem can be control by offering sanitary growing conditions , expose the rhizomes to direct sunshine , cleaning the infected tissue and dipping in a 10 pct whitener root before transplant .
3. Leaf Spot
This is a fungus that overwinters on dead remains of the sword lily such as leaves that have not been clean away . The affected leaves will first calculate like they have wet spots which by and by work browned and often multiply , killing the infected leave .
Humid , foggy or wet conditions are often to blame for leaf berth but it is an iris problem that can be addressed . Remove the leaves immediately and provide the plant with serious air circulation .
Always avoid transplanting fleur-de-lis in blind drunk weather because you’re able to spread the disease . It is also crucial to note that leaf spot does not permanently affect the industrial plant ’s rhizome . It does generally offer up a two - yr cycle and will have an adverse effect on blooming the following twelvemonth but the plant should be okay the year after .
4. Bacterial Soft Rot
Of all iris problem , this one is most common and easy to recognize due to the foul odor that it offers . Bacterial soft rot can propagate to and destroy nearby plants so it is imperative that you catch the trouble in its early leg . Overwatering and too much fertilizer are common causes which is why it usually have it presence known in the springtime .
To treat an infected plant , all you require to do is use a sharp knife to kowtow the schmalzy part off the rhizome . Once this is done , clean the domain with a 9:1 proportion of water to discolorise and then dust with sulphur . Avoid watering the plant until symptoms go away . Making certain that you establish your iris diaphragm in well - drained dirt will shrink the risk of bacterial piano rot .
5. Scorch
Most normally seen in the southern states , the precise campaign of singe is undetermined and prevention is up for disputation . The plaza of the leaves get very dry and start out dying at the hint . leave of absence fade to brown ; the roots pall after rotting yet the rootstock often remain steady .
Some plant life can be keep by turn over them up , drying them in the sun and replanting but you wo n’t really have intercourse until the come time of year if your endeavour have been successful .
Want to learn more about common iris problems?
See these websties : Iris Diseasesby Penn State ExtensionBearded Iris for the Home Landscapeby North Carolina Cooperative wing
