Troubleshooting
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' problems — and how to fix them
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' (Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Summer wet and rot
Moist soil during dormancy rots the bulbs. Plant in sharply drained ground or lift and store dry, or grow in pots kept dry in summer.
Ink-spot disease
A fungal disease causing black blotches on bulbs and leaves; destroy affected bulbs and avoid replanting reticulata irises in the same spot.
Bulb splitting into non-flowering grass
Bulbs can break into many small offsets that produce only leaves; feed with potassium after flowering and grow lean to maintain flowering size.
Slug and snail damage
Tender late-winter flowers are grazed by slugs and snails; protect emerging buds in damp weather.
Prevent iris 'katharine hodgkin' problems before they start
Most iris 'katharine hodgkin' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for the species overview? Iris — the full care guide.
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' problems — FAQ
Why is my iris 'katharine hodgkin' summer wet and rot?
Moist soil during dormancy rots the bulbs. Plant in sharply drained ground or lift and store dry, or grow in pots kept dry in summer.
Why is my iris 'katharine hodgkin' ink-spot disease?
A fungal disease causing black blotches on bulbs and leaves; destroy affected bulbs and avoid replanting reticulata irises in the same spot.
Why is my iris 'katharine hodgkin' bulb splitting into non-flowering grass?
Bulbs can break into many small offsets that produce only leaves; feed with potassium after flowering and grow lean to maintain flowering size.
Why is my iris 'katharine hodgkin' slug and snail damage?
Tender late-winter flowers are grazed by slugs and snails; protect emerging buds in damp weather.