By Bramhallbill
Cheshire,
United Kingdom 
I sent off for a pack of bearded iris and rec'd 12 individually packed in polythene bags. The smell was like mouldy spuds. I could see 1 was a bit squishy. If I wash them & cut off the mushy root/stems is that going to be OK or is it too late.?I think I will pot up in groups of 3 but keeping stuff dry is key. Any ideas please? All plants are trimmed & have nice roots.
On plant
Bearded iris
15 Sep, 2014
Answers
They are resending. I had some bulbs from them today with breathe holes in great condition.
15 Sep, 2014
The smell is from "soft rot".....seems odd no one noticed it their end!!
10% bleach wash n dry.....alternative copper fungicide is a no as I have none
15 Sep, 2014
Not sure I'd want them anywhere near my garden if they have soft rot. I could be wrong but I think it is possible for it to spread to other plants.
15 Sep, 2014
I think I will wait for the replacements. All roots are OK but perhaps the stems were shortened too much. The rot can be spread by tools , overcrowding & watering!! 5 inch pots me thinks...Dunking chief offender in diluted bleach!!
15 Sep, 2014
Replacements came today. Out of 12 Iris 10 were OK. 1 was isolated in its own pot. 1 went straight into the bin !!
So I had 24 in the end. -1 23. 6 left to plant. I will keep you posted. Diluted bleach did work...but I have no idea if the rhysome will survive
24 Sep, 2014
One of the Iris plants in "isolation" has gone grey!!!!
The company gave me a refund. I will post how many make it
7 Oct, 2014
Signs of growth on one or two....even on ones in "hospital". Slow progress
17 Oct, 2014
Personally I'd contact the company you bought them from and complain. It is not good practice to send out rhizomes in poly. bags
15 Sep, 2014