dividing iris

irismat.jpg

When iris begin to form a solid mat, it is time to begin thinking about dividing. Some people wait until flowering starts to taper off, but by then the simple chore has become challenging (I speak from experience).

weedy iris

Weeds love to lodge themselves where it is almost impossible to remove them without damaging the meaty rhizomes of the iris. Dividing provides an opportunity to clear out the weeds in the process and start anew with a clean bed.

lifted rhizomes

Using a fork or shovel, lift the whole mass of tangled rhizomes and tease them apart.

iris discards

Some of them will be spent and shriveled. Close examination will reveal holes where borers have penetrated some of the healthier looking parts. All of these should be broken off and discarded.

ready to plant

Once the healthy sections with vigorous leaf growth have been separated and brushed free of dirt, the leaves should be trimmed to about 6″.

planting hole

Make a hole about 3″ deep and wide enough to spread the roots. Make a mound in the center of the hole upon which to place the rhizome.

finished planting

Fill in, covering all of the roots, but leaving the top of the rhizome showing. Water in well, and that’s it. The new transplants may skip a year of blooming, which is why I like to stagger my transplanting. I plan to keep closer tabs on their progress and label the various colors so that I can plan placement better. The fans of lance-shaped leaves make a dramatic contrast to other leaf shapes when used strategically, so I spread some of these around where I think they will make an impact, and still had plenty to share with neighbors. Come spring, I hope to get some shots to show you the fruits of my labor. Oh, and mid-August through September is the best time to tackle this job.

3 thoughts on “dividing iris

  1. I have fond memories of my mother and grandmother dividing iris and boxing them up to swap and share. It’s always seemed so unusual to me that such a large portion of the plant remains above ground. I love them! But don’t grow them.

    I looked for you (and your pig-tails) at the HPSO sale in the check out lane…but didn’t see you! (there, you see, I was in the check out so I did buy something!)

  2. Loree~If you ever decide to grow iris, let me know. I have an endless supply.
    To attend the sale is to buy SOMETHING, wouldn’t you say? Looking forward to seeing what roped you in.

  3. Pingback: sprig to twig » Blog Archive » iris chronicles

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