They're tough plants which should do fine without intervention. So I suspect something is wrong in its environment. Perhaps it's in a pot rather than the ground; and/or poor drainage; and/or too much water; and/or too little sun. Beyond that, if it's in a pot and has mealybugs, have you looked at the rootball? If you find whitish smudges, the plant has root mealybugs. Discard plant. If you'll keep the pot, clean thoroughly.

If you like the idea of iris (so do I), there are several others than bearded ones you could try. Yellow flag (iris pseudocorus) loves shade and has stunningly good and tall foliage. It also likes moisture, and when it gets it, it spreads. However, it is easy to keep in check by cutting back the clumps once a year. There is a purple form (versicolor, I think) that is also very nice, though the foliage is not quite as tall as pseudocorus. And then, my very favorite is Iris Aichi-no-kagayaki. It is a hybrid between pseudocorus and ensata. It has chartreuse foliage, which is why it's my favorite. It blooms yellow. Something blue with it is stunning. I know that plant delights nursery carries it, though there may be other sources too.

Hi All, I always seem to be the 2nd person to reply when it comes to these being posted as "Have's" - I really want one of these, so thought I might have some luck posting a "Want" instead...lol! I do intend to go to the Green Elephant swap, so could arrange to swap there if interested, or I will come and dig! Thanks Much! Michele

lady of the bats We feel your pain. I am currently facing the three horsemen of the apocalyse: Deer, Wallaby and Yowie. If it wasn't for the kind words of encouragement from the forum-mongers, Uncle Remiggio and I would have long ago surrendered. I won't bore you with the long history or soul-crushing defeats, outright routings and dismal failures we have had to contend with, but believe me, my Ice Berg roses will never be the same again and Uncle Remiggio still has a slight limp and one eye is more askew than socially acceptable. Be advised, don't waste time exploring the various solutions on offer - their is no chemical, device, detector, emmitter or philosophy that has any effect on these creatures (I include possums as a potential fourth horeseman). Their is one and only one solution - extermination. After months of research - literally weeks spent acting and thinking like animals, Uncle Remiggio and I have engaged in a ruthless guerilla war determined to eliminate the foe or die trying. You will be abused. You will be reviled. The percieved cuteness of the possum is seem by many as more than enough reason to allow them to eat your plants and defecate on your Ice-bergs - but be strong - kill - kill - kill. Please note that any comments in defence of "native" animals will be ignored vigorously.