Exploding scape problem and leaf streak?

17 years ago

I'm pretty new to this hobby, and so far I've been very lucky. My daylilies are on a hill, and the drainage is good. Usually I have to water the beds, but this year I've seen more rain than I can remember in any other June in SE Pennsylvania. Yesterday I noticed two problems I've not encountered before in the daylily beds. One has to do with a handful of scapes (maybe 3 out of over a hundred). I've posted a photo below (exploding scape).

It looks like the scape has exploded and peeled back like a banana. The second problem is a leaf streak type problem. I tried the finger test and no residual streak from any rust, so it might either be scorch or leaf streak? I've had almost perfect leaves for the first 5 years of my garden and I can't help think the wetness has helped cause this. I found some aphids, but not many. These are mostly--but not always--the lowest leaves. More rain today! This second photo (below) is the leaf streak thing.

My question is just whether people think it is scorch or streak, and whether waiting for hotter, drier weather would be the thing to do. I also want to know the cause of these exploding scapes! On a cheerier note, I've included a photo of today's bloom in the garden blow (Moonlit Masquerade).

I hope the photos work--my first time to try to post them. Thanks! John

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Comments (6)

kydaylilylady
17 years ago
John, your first picture shows what is called scape blast. You'll sometimes see if if plants have been fertilized very well and have lots of water. Some cultivars can be more prone to have scape blast than others. It's not fatal but frustrating when you're anxiously waiting for something to bloom and go out there and see the whole top of the scape has just disappeared!

The second photo I'd say could be leaf streak but I won't swear to the actual diagnosis. I've never sent any of mine to the diagnostic lab for a definate confirmation. Again, unsightly but not fatal. All in all, judging from your pictures, you have lovely foliage on your plants and have been taking excellect care of them. Enjoy the bloom season!

Janet
jjc5005
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Janet. I hope we get some drier weather eventually! John
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petalpatsy
17 years ago
Are some cultivars known for being easy to scape blast? I ask because I thought I broke Gilded Scarlet's only scape last year, but this year two of three scapes are blasted--surrounded by daylilies with normal scapes.
virgo45
17 years ago
If the scape is not totally broken off (as shown above) you can place a small stake beside it. Carefully tape the scape to the stake so it will not be able to move in the wind and it should flower normally. I have done this a number of times and it does work.
petalpatsy
17 years ago
Thanks, Virgo, I will.
fantasylilies
17 years ago
Hi guys - this happened to me too with "Purple Maze" - no worries, it STILL bloomed beautifully and is setting pods!!!!