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Rust coloured leaves on crocosmeia

hatty_hatty_ Posts: 99
in Problem solving
Hi everyone,

my crocosmeia are looking very sorry for themselves with rust covered leaves. Slightly powdery. 

Any idea what is wrong with them? They flowered fine last year. 

They are also next to some healthy looking Peacock Orchids that seem to be doing fine. 

There are however some slightly mouldy looking old alliums mixed in. See photo. Could this be affecting them? 

These photos were taken in the extreme heat last week hence the crispy clematis in the background. Thankfully it has rained now!

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    They look extremely dry and have probably decided to give up for this year and have autumn a bit early. There is likely powdery mildew there too, but that is also drought related.
    You could give them a drink, but they are tough and will probably be ok next year. Can't say as much for that clematis though, you'd do better to concentrate on giving that a good soaking, if you want to try to save it.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree. Concentrate on that clematis. It'll be struggling desperately, especially if it's right up against the fence. A good mulch of compost will help afterwards, but get it well soaked first, and repeat regularly until you get autumn rain.
    Don't be fooled by a 'bit of rainfall' either. It has to be proper rainfall, and frequent enough to be of any use. 
    The peacock orchids - I assume those are Acidantheras? They like  dry conditions, so they'll be fine.
     Crocosmias are tough, but it's been a bridge too far for those if they've got very dry, hence the rust. They tend not to get that if they have enough moisture. They should be fine though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • hatty_hatty_ Posts: 99
    Thank you @Buttercupdays! 
    Yes, I was so sad to see my clematis shrivelled my the heat. We went away for two days and when we came back the garden looked like a bag of crisps. I have been watering like crazy since. 
  • hatty_hatty_ Posts: 99
    Thank you @Fairygirl for your help. Much appreciated. I’ve been soaking the clematis and am pleased to report fresh new growth amidst the crispy bits! 😊 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's great @hatty_. Once you get into proper autumn weather, it'll be fine, and next year will be a new challenge  ;)
    You can nip back any dead stems and foliage too if you want - back to a healthy leaf joint.
    It'll look better, and it won't affect the plant in any way - in fact, it can help, as it means that if you have windy weather, it'll help prevent those damaged bits possibly tearing back and damaging the new healthy growth   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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