It has been dreadfully cold and wet this summer. I also removed a dying choke cherry tree that was near it. The irises may be getting more rain now that the tree is gone but I don't think theres that much difference.

Tova

Hi Tova:
I wonder if you have Iris borer. It is a type of worm that attacks the Iris tuber, eats it away and finally the plant dies. I had an attack of it a few years ago and I just kept digging the tubers, cutting away the eaten away/rotted parts, soaked them in a weak solution of bleach and replanted. That took care of it but it was a lot of work. If you Google Iris borer on the Web you'll find help, or go to the Iris forum and do a search on the Iris borer. The sooner you do it, the better. Good luck.
Northerner.

I would agree with Northerner, we lost all of our iris a few years ago to the borer, we have started again in a new bed and are keeping a very close watch. If you catch them early and destroy the infected tubers, it can be controlled.
Leo

Where do you live K? Is it Alberta if I recall?

Apparently borer is not found in western Canada.

Its probably Scorch:
A disease that slowly kills Iris plants. They slowly turn brown over a time period, with the rhizomes remaining hard. A prevention from death can involve cutting the rhizome into sections. Thus an infected clump will usually have one part survive.

Here is a link that might be useful: Iris Diseases

Hello again crazy-g! I live in Calgary. It sounds like my irises are on their way out whether its scorch or borer. Fortunately I have offspring of my irises in other beds and they are OK so far. I guess I better get my spade out.

Tova