Re: Many Iris Problems
You don't mention where you are at. The mention of iris borers seems to put
you in the east, and your mention of the end of your bloom season seems to put
you south of New Hampshire at least. From what I have heard rain has been a
regular feature this spring there which would explain an abnormally difficult
time with leaf spot.
It has been mentioned in the past that an effective control agent for borers
is burning old foliage. There was a description of how to in a Tall Bearded
Iris journal within the last couple of years. I believe Rita Gormley was my
source for some of the info.
With leaf spot, dry weather always clears it up. Trim off diseased
foliage. Some years are worse than others and you probably just saw it the worst it
will be. There has been talk here before that when the rain hits the soil it
splashes the bacteria up onto the foliage. I would wonder if a light mulch,
say pine straw would reduce this.
For most of us the rewards of bloom season make these seasonal difficulties
worth bearing. I have noticed that some cultivars seem to be more prone to
leaf spot. Look around your community and see if you see clumps that look good.
If you like the bloom you may approach that person for a plant. Overcrowding
seems to make the problem worse so make sure there is room between plants
George Mason in usually wet Portland where were allready complaining about
too much sun. Sure wish it would rain!
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