I got Secret Rites from Schreiners last fall and it had a very large rhizome. We had a very wet winter in NC this year and when I checked on Secret Rites this spring the rhizome was all spongy soft. It had no rotting smell, and there was new growth. I scooped out the soft spot and rinsed the remainder with bleach & water solution. Since then it continues to both grow and "rot." Yesterday I pulled out the remaining soft material (some attached hollowed out roots came out as well), and underneath there was a small hard rhizome that is attached to the new growth. I have never heard of a rhizome growing inside another rhizome, and there was only one when I planted it. Anyone else experience something like this? Should I let the plant keep growing or move it out of the garden in case this soft rot affects any of the other plants? So far none of the others are affected in any way and all have been sprayed with fungicide & pesticide.

Also - anyone else growing iris in NC? Thanks - L

Hi Leslie -- first of all !! Any Iris-lover is a friend of ours!

I don't know for sure what's going on with your rhizome specifically, but I can tell you that this sure was the winter for rot. And just like you described -- no smell to it, just mushy rhizomes. I think you've done what you can -- removing the rotted part and cleaning the remainder with bleach/water. If it were mine, I'd be inclined to leave the rhizome where it is and keep an eye on it. It's not likely that it will affect the other rhizomes, since this is not bacterial rot -- but rather *soggy soil* rot for lack of a better term. If anyone here thinks otherwise, I'll sure they'll chime in. I hope that you can salvage your Secret Rites -- it's a beauty!

Hi, ! Leslie.! I think MaryAnn's got it right. Sounds like you've done what I would have, so now it's just wait it out! Good Luck!...Arlyn

I agree that this "rot" issue will not jump to other rhizomes; so on that do not worry.

Thanks for all your comments! . I feel relieved to hear that I can leave it be. I was sooo looking forward to Secret Rites. Hoping it survives to bloom another year!

I found two more Irises with rot yesterday -- whole fans lost. Fortunately, they weren't the only fans on either Iris. I'm not even gonna bother about it -- I may sprinkle some Comet on them.

Btw - My parents moved two years ago to NC (between Statesville & Hickory). My mom still grows a few irises, but the garden in general is too much work. The only one that comes to mind is "Pacific Panorama" by Sexton.

The irses she has started out in Maryland; went to Cape Cod in Massachusetts; then to Pennsylvania; before arriving in North Carolina.

Some of her irises are with my niece in Texas (MD to MA to PA to GA to TX)

Mary Ann: I have seen mention of the use of Comet on this site. Do you just sprinkle it over the rhizomes? Why does it help with the rot? I have so much to learn!

Misawa: Wow. Your mom's iris must be hardy! Nice to know that they adapt so well to so many places (in case I ever move...). Most of mine are recent additions. I built two raised gardens 3 years ago just for iris as they have always been my favorite flower. I also moved some fans that were languishing under ivy in a rock garden that have turned out to be Quaker Lady. My house was built in 1930 so I think they have been here a very long time. And they are just growing like crazy!

Comet Cleanser has bleach in it -- and yes you sprinkle it on the rotted area. I would guess that rain will take the product down into the rhizome, and kill the rot.

I've never done this before -- have only heard about it -- so don't know how successful it'll be. I know that we're headed for more soaking rains here -- as though we've not had enough -- so trying to dig these out and replant is an exercise in futility. And I'm not willing to spend the time to pot them up -- too much other work to do.

As to the comet, I use Clorox Cleanup spray and comet. Clorox Cleanup soaks immediately and then a comet dressing follow up is helpful. C.C. helps the comet to stick as well where you want it.

K

I use comet. First I clean all the rot off and even cut back some more to the healthy rhizome part if there is enough of it. I wash it in a solution of water with 10% liquid Clorox. Then I let it set out in a dry shaded area for at least one day that way it will callous over. An open wound in a rhizome invites trouble for me. Then I sprinkle it with Clorox cleaner and put it into the soil. If it is a really sturggling iris I will pot it and before it rains I bring the pot under shelter where it will not get wet. I let it really dry out and usually have good luck. Most people throw them away (never put a sick iris on the compost pile as it may have a disease and contaminate your compost) and buy new. I have a hard time composting irises. Just me.

Soooo good to know! Between Feb. & March we had weeks where we had 70+ temps then snow/ice in the same week, and then all the rain since, so I am trying to keep my babies alive.

The dwarfs are just starting to bloom now. I have my first 3 open! Running late & wet this year.