How to Grow and Divide Bearded Iris

Dividing Bearded Iris

Iris are beautiful when in bloom, and need to be divided regularly to remain healthy and bloom well. ...
Lift clumps carefully to avoid damaging the rhizomes. ...
Separate lifted rhizomes by pulling them apart. ...
Trim leaves to reduce transpiration in the replanted sections. ...
Use a clean knife or shears to cut the rhizomes apart.

What is the best time to divide irises?
How do you divide irises and replant?
Can you divide iris anytime?
Can I divide bearded iris in spring?
Should I deadhead irises?
Can you transplant irises in the spring?
Do you cut Iris back after blooming?
Where do you plant irises?
How often do you divide iris bulbs?
When can you dig up iris bulbs and replant them?
Can irises grow in pots?
Why are my iris not blooming?

What is the best time to divide irises?

Divide at the right time of year, after flowering, when irises become dormant during late summer, reducing the chance of bacterial soft rot. Avoid dividing during winter when irises are trying to survive on stored energy in their rhizomes. Snip the leaf blades to about one third of their height.

How do you divide irises and replant?

Instructions

Dig up the Clump. Using a garden shovel, dig up the entire clump of iris. ...
Divide the Clump Into Sections. Shake off loose dirt, and divide the large clump into sections by tugging it apart with your hands. ...
Trim the Leaves. ...
Inspect the Rhizome Sections. ...
Prepare a Planting Hole. ...
Plant the Iris. ...
Caring for New Iris.

Can you divide iris anytime?

Mid- to late-summer is a good time to divide bearded irises. You want to make sure that the roots have ample time to grow before winter. You can usually tell that your irises are ready to be divided when a clump looks overgrown, with rhizomes starting to grow into each other and popping up from the soil.

Can I divide bearded iris in spring?

Yes, I do know that the proper time to divide Iris is six to eight weeks after they have bloomed but so many times I don't get to all of them then come Springtime I have some overcrowded clumps that could use a bit of thinning.

Should I deadhead irises?

Deadheading, or removing the old flowers, keeps the plants attractive and allows the leaves to collect energy for healthy root formation instead of setting seeds. Some irises may bloom twice a year if you deadhead properly. Break off the individual flowers on each flowering stem after they finish blooming.

Can you transplant irises in the spring?

Do not transplant iris in the spring. Wait until the foliage has died back in the summer before attempting to dig up and move your iris bulbs.

Do you cut Iris back after blooming?

A: After your irises have bloomed, you can indeed cut down the flower stalk; this process is known as "deadheading". ... Eventually the iris will finish its energy restoring process, and then the leaves will turn brown. At that point, you may then cut off the leaves, too, if you wish.

Where do you plant irises?

Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site

Irises will bloom best in full sun. ...
Bearded irises must not be shaded out by other plants; many do best in a special bed on their own.
They prefer fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil.

How often do you divide iris bulbs?

As a general rule, iris should be divided about every three to five years. Without timely dividing, the plants simply outgrow their allotted space in the garden. Normally, the bloom quality of the clump decreases when the plants become overcrowded.

When can you dig up iris bulbs and replant them?

The best time when to transplant iris is in the summer, after the iris have finished blooming, up until fall.

Can irises grow in pots?

Iris can be successfully grown in containers. A 6" to 8" pot will work for Dwarf Iris; a 12" pot will work for Tall Bearded Iris. Make sure your pot has good drainage. ... After bloom, be sure to divide your Iris and replant outside or into more pots.

Why are my iris not blooming?

Crowded irises often refuse to bloom. Pests: Disease or pests can stress plants and reduce or eliminate blooming. ... Planting depth: The rhizomes should be planted so that the top surface is at or slightly below the soil. Irises planted too deeply will produce leaves but no flowers.