This season I feel it is important to discuss some pesky problems that are common to our precious plants, and even more so in this wet season, so my Top 5 issues to tackle are:

#1 Rhizome Rot. Iris detest wet feet, so good drainage is essential. We grow all ours in raised beds, but this is not possible for everyone for various reasons. If your iris are well established, you may have to assess where and how the water flows through your garden and make some redirection adjustments.  As a golden rule, never plant iris in any area where water pools, for they will certainly rot if left sitting in these conditions.

#2 Leaf Rust. This is a bacterial problem and is caused by constant moisture on the leaves, with the plants developing rusty spots on their leaf surfaces. Whilst it is ugly, it does not kill them. It can be managed and controlled by using an antifungal spray available at garden centres, but we just simply live with it as too much moisture isn’t usually the norm for us here.

#3 The Snails. For many years about six resident Indian Runner Ducks lived and roamed freely in the garden and managed the snail population beautifully, but then the foxes discovered the delectable duck dinners. So, after that we locked the ducks away and out of their reach overnight. However, it didn’t take the foxes long to solve their problem by visiting the garden in the daytime. Soon all the ducks were gone. What next to do? Maybe sawdust barriers, coffee grounds, or I guess there is always snail bait if you’re happy about using that sort of thing. At least they seek a more comfortable spot to sleep in over winter.                                                                    

#4 The Weeds. Control has been difficult this year and will continue whilst the soil is being kept moist. There are no easy fixes. But mulching certainly helps. Also, removing weeds before their seeds ripen and fall decreases the weed army in future years. We use roundup on walking paths but never close to iris or other plants.

#5 Bud Blight. Customers sometimes contact me regarding spasmodic malformation of single buds on otherwise healthy flower stems. It mostly occurs early in the season. This very occasionally happens here also. It is usually caused by thrip, is all ways random and not significant enough to worry about.

 

We are also launching out new Tijara Loyalty Club where you earn points for every order. Check it out over here: Tijara Loyalty Club 

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And finally please don’t forget to keep up your iris housework and general care, taking reference to our tips page here: Growing your Tall Bearded Irises

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Until next time, happy gardening 

Shirley @The Tijara Iris Garden

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