Hi. I have a lot of bearded iris' "growing". I have problems. They've been really neglected, which I thought would have been good for them, but for the last 2 - 3 years they aren't growing or flowering like they should. I know I should have done something about it sooner rather than later, but later is better than never!

Anyway, the iris leaves themselves are not as dark green as they used to be. The fans are also very small - less than 30cm, where originally they were huge, with no damage on them that I can see.

We tried watering, moving some (made no difference), fertilising, moving the mulch away etc etc, but today I lifted some to move them and the rhizome itself is full of holes.

I'm guessing that this is the problem... but what's doing it and how do I get rid of them?

I want my irises back!!

Thanks masses if you can help.

If I had a camera I'd take photos. There's a great many holes about 2mm wide and dig into the rhizome. All on the underside.

Don't know how else to describe it. I've googled until I cant read anymore, with no avail.