Question
I have a fairly shady back yard in the North Beach part of SF. I have put in Heuchera a couple of times. They seem to last/be healthy a year or so and then die. When I go to check the dead looking plant, it comes up in my hand without apparently any roots left. Is something eating the roots? Or possibly rotting them? The plants can look healthy and the next time I go down (a week or so) the leaves have all drooped and it is starting to dry out. Thank you.
Phyllis
San Francisco
Answer
Other than gophers, (you would see the evidence of mounds of earth) roots can be attacked by weevil larvae and cutworms. They are especially prevalent in shaded areas. Other plants that usually fall victim are Azaleas, Impatiens, Primrose, and Iberis. The best plan of action would be to apply beneficial nematodes to the soil. The microscopic nematodes search out, attack, and subsequently vanquish soil borne grubs and larvae. If the roots were rotting, other plants in the area would likely show symptoms of stress as well. These are available via mail order through any of our stores.
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