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Root identification help

rachael_1102rachael_1102 Posts: 2
in Plants
Hi, I've recently moved into a new house which has been empty for the past 2 years. When cutting back the very overgrown garden last weekend we discovered some weird roots that no one so far can identify. I haven't tried digging them up yet but they don't appear to be attached to any current plants in the border (mainly just rose trees left). They are just sat on top of the soil and look like they may be connected to something dead which has been cut off at ground level at some point.
Any ideas please?

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I wonder if they might be Crocosmias. Let's see what others think.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited September 2021
    I think you’re right @Borderline …. ‘chains’ of crocosmia forms. A corm/link for every year. 

    I’ll try to find an image …  

    Edited. Sorry, can’t find an image. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree too. A fair old chunk of them! 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • rachael_1102rachael_1102 Posts: 2
    Thanks all, that's really helpful! If it's one blob for every year they must be pretty old, unfortunately I'm pretty sure they're dead so I'll dig up now identified and find something colourful to put in instead :smile:
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    If you find any live corms on the end of the chains below ground, it might be worth potting-up a few in case they're a nice variety.  However, the common orange type generally known as montbretia is a bit of a thug, tough as old boots but I've never seen those die-off on their own accord, so my guess would be you are either looking at the aftermath of them being killed with weedkiller, or they were a fancy but weaker variety that has succumbed to something.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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