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Dividing Irises....

mycoupons | 09 July, 2007 07:39

Our gardening question this week was submitted by Linda G. of Mass.

Hello Annie,

I have a question on growing bearded irises. I planted my irises a couple of years ago and now they seem a bit crowded. How do you divide irises and when is the best time to do this? I would like to transplant some in another part of my yard.

Thank you,
Linda

Hi Linda,

Excellent question!

I love irises with their show of gorgeous blooms. I grow a variety of colors and kinds.

Irises are probably among one of the easiest perennials to grow as they have an incredible adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. They grow bigger and better with each passing year, and they do multiply quickly.

The time to divide is actually now, during the months of July and August, and division of them should be done approximately once every 3 to 4 years.

Water the Irises that you will be dividing, thoroughly a day or two before you plan to divide them. When dividing, you need to cut back the leaves to one-third of their length. Normally when not dividing, you wouldn't cut back the foliage until fall as it begins to brown.

To divide, use a sharp pointed shovel or spading fork to dig down deep on all four sides of the plant, about 4 to 6 inches away from the plant. Pry underneath with your tool and lift the whole clump to be divided. If the plant is very large and heavy, you may need to cut it into several pieces in place with your shovel before lifting it. Lift out the whole clump at once. Wash away soil with a steady stream of water so you may see where the rhizomes are attached to one another. Then cut the rhizomes apart with a sharp knife. Each division must have at least one growing point, a few inches of healthy rhizome and a number of well-developed roots. Throw away any rhizomes that are soft or mushy.

Now you are ready to plant your new rhizomes. These new plants made from your division will bloom the first or second year after planting.

Keep on gardening!

Annie~