Hi Everyone:
My crocosmia bloom was fantastic this year but now the leaves are all brown and seem to be dying. Does anyone know if this is normal or are they diseased (rust or something)? Can't remember if this has happened before. I'm a poor observer of plants in August as they are always looking tired!
Would appreciate some help. Thanks
Crocosmia
Ciscoe's To-do List: Plant Crocosmia -- birds will thank you
By CISCOE MORRIS
Few plants are more attractive to hummingbirds than Crocosmia.
Sometimes known as Montbretia, these South African perennials are easy to grow and can be planted as bulbs or bought as potted plants. The swordlike leaves create a vertical effect, but it's the vividly colored tubular flowers that stand out in the mixed border.
Although it's rarely bothered by pests, in hot dry weather spider mites can be the Achilles' heel of Crocosmia. In high numbers, mites can cause the foliage to turn brown and dry up early in the season and, if left unchecked, will prevent flowering.
Mites thrive in dry conditions, but they hate moisture. Usually all that is required to prevent an infestation is to mist the leaves regularly.
However, if you notice the leaves are yellowing or becoming stippled, up the ante on the hose nozzle and, while supporting the leaves in one hand, blast the little rascals off the foliage. By the way, it's a good idea to wear a swimming suit while performing this procedure.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/nwgardens/279057_ciscoe29.html
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Dead leaves on crocosmia
Two-spotted spider mite on crocosmia
My crocosmia has suddenly turned brown. Most of the leaves have died off and there is signs of powdery white webbing along the veins. Is it the dry conditions and will the plants come up next year?
The dry weather has certainly contributed. Hot, dry conditions such as those in August have favoured the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). These creatures feed on plant tissues causing extensive damage in high populations. They feed on a variety of plants both indoors and out. Cut off and remove dead leaves and clear up plant debris to reduce overwintering sites. Water the plants well, they may not produce any more leaf this year, but mites do not like damp conditions. The plants should recover and grow next year. Look out for early signs of this pest next spring and early summer, treating with insecticidal soap spray if found. Available from the Organic Gardening Catalogue.
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/todo_now/faqs.php?id=80
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ProblemsPest : Spider Mites
Spider mites are small, 8 legged, spider-like creatures which thrive in hot, dry conditions (like heated houses). Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts, which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled. Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations. Spider mites can multiply quickly, as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days. They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers.
Prevention and Control: Keep weeds down and remove infested plants. Dry air seems to worsen the problem, so make sure plants are regularly watered, especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals, citrus, or tomatoes. Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery. Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae. If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office, read and follow all label directions. Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live.
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http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:VB1XlvEk4wQJ:www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pd_17f2.html+crocosmia+mites&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=us
Thanks for the info. Will certainly check for mites. We did have a hot dry summer in our part of Michigan (South Central) and I did water the perrenial beds once a week but perhaps his is not enough to discourage the mites.