Marianne's Response

Why Iris leaves are curling and how to help azaleas recover from leaf gaul – #2

Hi, I submitted these questions a few weeks ago, but did not get a reply (editorial note: these Q’s were answered at Ask the Expert — search “Why Iris leaves are curling and how to help azaleas recover from leaf gaul” dated June 1st). In case it got lost somewhere along the line, here it is again.

1) We have several Azalia plants that have leaf gaul (see attached picture). We were told to pick these growths off of the plants when we find them. Is there anything we can put on the Azalias to prevent the leaf gaul? Some of the plants are in full sun and others have mixed sun and shade.

2) We also have several Iris. This year some of the flowers, instead of blooming normally, curled up in a tight deformed shape and just withered away. Is this some type of disease? If so, is there anything we can do to prevent it?

Thank you.

Posted by CEGrnThumb2 on June 17, 2015

Marianne's Response

I do remember answering these questions a few weeks ago - sorry you did not see them. For leaf gall on azaleas clip off the new growth using hedge shears if that is easier. The gall is a fungus so clean up around the plants to promote good air circulation and try to keep the foliage dry. For the iris you could have thrips or a mole or vole or iris borers damaging the roots so that the blooms do not open. I suggest you uproot the iris in mid July and cut away any tuber that looks infected or invaded by borers - look for small holes in the rhizome. Replant only the fresh healthy growth and toss out the inner or old center of the iris roots. Replant the remaining rhizomes into fresh soil that drains well and do not plant too deep - iris like to be just barely covered with soil in a sunny spot. You can shorten all the leaves to 4 inches tall. Now see if you get a fresh start next spring. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

    Search the Ask the Gardening Expert library

    Looking for a quick resolution to your problem? Marianne has answered thousands of gardening questions. One may be similar to yours. Try searching our library to get the answer you need — fast!

    My Topics

    View questions you submitted to Marianne in the past

    VIEW MY QUESTIONS