Re: cult:Cutting Fans / Survivability/Yellow leaves
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: cult:Cutting Fans / Survivability/Yellow leaves
- From: "* a* C* W* <c*@cache.net>
- Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 22:52:06 -0600 (MDT)
Hi Rima!
You write (11 Aug 97):
> I thought that when you dig and divide and replant, the fans should be
> cut to give the roots a better shot at growth before a freeze. that's
> what I've been doing. Please tell me quickly to stop before I do
> anything wrong. the iris I have received in the mail all have cut fans.
That sounds about right. It is what I always do when I dig, divide, and
replant iris. I believe the purpose has been described on this list as
being to maintain the water balance of the division - fewer roots to absorb
water balanced by less foliage to transpire it.
>
> Question---many of the leaves on my existing irises that bloomed
> beautifully this year are turning yellow and brown and some have spots.
> Is this a disease or is it normal. should I cut these leaves out? Is
> this the dreaded borer? Please please tell me it isn't. I hate worm
> eating things.
It is quite normal for the outer leaves on iris fans turn yellow and then
wither during the growing season as they mature and die and are replaced by
new leaves from the center of the fan.
The spots are probably caused by leaf spot, a disfiguring but not fatal
fungal infection. It is said that this can be controlled by removing the
infected foliage and toally getting rid of it (like by hauling it to the
town dump, if it is not right next door), but I have not had much success
with this approach. I have obtained better results by spraying with a
fungicide, such as Daconil.
Jeff Walters in northern Utah (USDA Zone 4, Sunset Zone 2)
cwalters@cache.net
