Q.iris root rot
I have an area in my yard where I have started an iris bed. It is along a fence where the dogs liked to run and do their business. I planted several hybrid iris last fall and put a border fence around it to keep the dogs out. However, I have now lost 2 plants to root rot. I read the articles on your site but now that I have it how do I get it out of the soil or should I move my iris bed to another location. I have several more iris ordered to plant this fall and don’t know now if I should put them in the same bed or not. Suggestions?
Most iris need good drainage and don't do well if water is slow to drain. If the rot is associated with the watering schedule then adjusting the soil to drain better and making sure you don't over water should solve the problem. You may want to bring the rotted iris into your local nursery or Farm Bureau to be sure it is not a soil borne organism. If it is caused by a plant pathogen you should probably plant in a different location, or follow the nursery or farm bureaus recommendation to treat the area.
