Iris Plants Poisoned With Roundup

Question

My husband has poisoned around my iris plants with roundup and now some are growing deformed. Can they return to normal for next years flowering or do I pull them out. See attached photos.

Answer 1

Your iris look like most iris to me. Old leaves turn yellow and shrivel as new leaves emerge. And insect damage speckles leaves with yellow dots and streaks. The overall impression is that the plants are doing well. Often, the first thing to show that a plant is struggling is the flowers and your iris blooms appear healthy. Round-Up only damages plants that it lands on: it does not poison roots. Like most poisons, the dose or amount that hits the plant determines the degree of damage. That said, it can take 5 days for damage to show up. I like to clean up the old leaves as they can harbor pests and iris leaf spot fungus. Please read the article on iris leaf spot as it is a common problem. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/iris-leaf-spot.htm

Answer 2

You can attempt recovery, but the damage maybe done. Packaging recommends 7 days, but it can be found in soil long after a week. to be safe, wait a month or so before planting again.

These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/herbicide-plant-damage.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/iris-plant-care.htm