Then replant. Crowded plants are also more prone to disease problems. The blooming of the bearded irises is something I eagerly await each spring. If planted too deeply they won’t flower. Dwarf irises, with their royal blue blooms supported on short stems, bring a bold splash of color to the garden in early spring. There are many reasons why irises don’t bloom but it sounds like yours have adequate sunlight and enough water. Wait until flowering is over before dividing the iris clump, discarding any old, woody rhizomes and replanting only young, healthy plants into freshly-prepared soil. I planted mine closer, for a more immediate display, knowing that I will have to divide them again sooner. You must do this job post flowering, during the summer. Plant rhizomes singly or in groups of three, 1 to 2 feet apart, depending on the size. Once established, bearded irises are drought-tolerant and won’t need additional watering. This will also keep bearded iris performing and blooming at its best. Iris loves the heat and drier weather of summer and the summer dividing will reduce the incidence of bacterial soft rot. It is easier to plant if you cut the tops back to about 6 inches tall. It was sweaty work, even on a cool day, but so rewarding to see it done. The best time for division of bearded irises is post flowering, at which... 2. DutchGrown LLC, 827 Lincoln Ave. Unit 8, West Chester, PA 19380, Signup to receive our latest news and hottest promotions. Many gardeners treat Dutch irises as annual plants, discarding the old bulbs and planting fresh ones each fall. It's important to know which irises you are seeking to divide. Thank you! My goal was to rework the iris beds, add some compost, get rid of the invading sedums and tree roots, and divide and replant the crowded rhizomes. Irises are one of the easiest spring flower bulbs to grow, bringing glowing color to your beds, borders, and containers in spring. This is hot, heavy work involving a lot of digging so I waited until the weather cooled down a tad before starting. In Iowa, July or August is the best time to dig, divide, and transplant bearded irises. Put them all on tarps - lots of dirt, easier to clean up. Lift the plant carefully so you don't damage the rhizomes. Pinched a nerve. Ensure the rhizome is erect while the roots are spread out. Steps 1. Cooler maritime weather areas will find that transplanting right after bloom will get the plants back to … The roots are quite long and will help anchor the newly planted rhizome in place. Older Post All rights reserved. Irises like a near neutral pH and even amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Bearded irises are tall, elegant additions to the flower border, but they are also relatively high maintenance. Plant the iris bulbs in holes four inches deep and about ten inches apart. Generally, iris plants are divided every three to five years. Weeks to feel better. Just no blooms. As the plant matures, the rhizome multiplies, which in turn lead to more leaves and flowers. Know when to divide the rhizomes. Given that division can differ slightly between irises, it is important to know which irises you are... 3. Trim the foliage back to about 5 inches and shorten the roots if needed. I am moving in the near future and want to take my Irises with me as they were also gifts, I wasn't sure how to go about it, but now I'm a lot more confident about tackling the project. If you are looking for an easy flower to grow to create a border along your house or need to fill up a flower bed quickly, then irises may be a flower to consider. Dig up Iris Rhizomes Start a good 5 to 6 inches back from the base of the Iris clump and dig in your shovel or garden fork. The best time to divide Siberian iris is in summer, after blooming. These plants do best when divided every few years, and the process is really quite simple. Custom programming and server maintenance by. Is the top of the rhizome near the surface of the soil? It is easier on your back. This is also the best time (plants are normally dormant during the heat of July and August) to divide and replant iris that have become overcrowded, usually after three to five years. Choose the right time of year to divide. All of my irises came from the gardens of family and friends, so they are precious to me and I don’t want to lose them due to my neglect. Next, brush of as much dirt as possible from the iris rhizomes. These are planted in October with other bulbs. Loosen around the clump as best you can. After 5 years, they slowed blooming and I could see the center was dead, an outer ring still green = time to divide. Water well to settle the soil around the roots and continue to water deeply once a week until new growth appears. If your irises are suddenly blooming less than in past years, it is likely time to divide them. The bed they are in is narrow and next to large rocks leaving the irises nowhere to go. How is the soil? 2) Remove excess dirt and dead material from the clump. We had enough leftover rhizomes to plant another bed on the other side of the stone wall. It’s important to divide and replant at the right time of year. Are the other plants shading them more than you realize? Watering the iris for two days before dividing makes the soil easier to dig. Replanting Iris after dividing. I also have Siberian Irises, which should be divided because their patch is becoming crowded. Dig a shallow hole 10 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep. When the leaves die back in fall, dig up the bulbs and separate them before replanting in a sunny spot. The bearded iris falls into this group. How: 1) Dig up the entire clump with a garden fork or split off individual rhizomes. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. Should have thought of that first. I leave at least 12 inches so they new Iris can grow and increase. Know your iris. At least it's something that only has to be done every 3 to 5 years! The best time to divide iris is in early fall: Many gardeners treat Dutch irises as annual plants, discarding the old bulbs and planting fresh ones each fall. Also, it’s helpful to avoid the iris borer which is a very destructive pest typically attracted to older, over-crowded gardens. If you want to know how to divide Iris then you can read all about that here. With the heat, humidity and mosquitoes of August you many not feel like working in the garden at this time of year, but a little time spent dividing crowded clumps of bearded iris now will pay great dividends in the future. Thanks for your assistance! The first spring, however, this year, only two flowers showed up after all that stress. Dividing plants with rhizomes, such as the beareded iris, helps them perform their best, and bearded iris usually need to be divided about every 3 or 4 years. The best time to divide irises is during late summer, usually anytime between July and th… The word "bulb" can be a bit confusing when applied to an iris. How to Divide Dutch Irises? If left undivided, the flowering will decrease and the rhizome will be subject to more pests and damage. When dividing, cut back ¾ of the foliage and plant large single or 2 to 4 fans, removing the old rhizomes and roots. Use a spade or fork to dig up the iris plant. Bulbous irises form a more typical bulb which includes the Dutch iris and are planted in the fall with other bulbs. or read more about me. Irises can become congested over time, which tends to inhibit flowering. The Process of Dividing the Iris Plant Rhizomes. I planted irises about a year and a half ago, in zone 7a -- Montgomery, AL. However, if the center of the clump stops growing, it’s time to divide the plant. It worked. They have a long and erect flowering stem that can be simple or branched. After blooming, cut off the stem but leave the foliage through summer. This article applies to the bearded iris. Replant the largest and healthiest-looking rhizomes. Replant the newly divided rhizomes in a sunny well-drained soil. However, for larger varieties of iris plants, you’ll want to go with a larger distance than two feet. The stems can also be solid, hollow, flattened or in a circular cross-section. Big chore. We found some borer damage and mushy rhizomes that we discarded. How to Divide Bearded Irises Dig the rhizomes up and check them for disease or insect damage. Late summer is the perfect time to divide or thin your iris. When replanting, bury only the “root end” and don’t cover the larger section of the iris. Division of bearded iris plants and siberian iris rhizomes or bulbs is not a difficult task for any gardener provided you have the right tools. Amend the soil with compost and dig a shallow hole or trench. Increasing means make new rhizomes you can divide out later for more Iris. How to divide summer bulbs- Cannas, Iris & more. Submitted by Ashley on July 8, 2020 - 9:01am. Get inspired by Robin Sweetser’s backyard gardening tips and tricks. Ugh. Rhizomatous types include bearded, Siberian and Japanese irises. BONUS: You’ll also receive our Almanac Companion newsletter! Once the holes are dug, place the rhizome into the space. Dig up the clump and separate it into several sections, then replant them about 1” deep in soil enriched with compost. Submitted by El on September 4, 2020 - 7:29am. Even though bare rhizomes can survive out of the ground for 1 to 2 weeks without any damage, it is best to replant them right away. We found some borer damage and mushy rhizomes that we discarded. The irises are getting crowded and encroached upon by sedum. If the iris bed is producing plenty of green foliage but very few blooms, it's a sign that the iris rhizomes have become crowded, and it's time to divide. Flower Bulbs from our family farm in Holland. Submitted by Monica Frame on August 26, 2019 - 9:37am. Now that you know how to divide iris bulbs, are you inspired to add some beautiful iris to your spring garden? Using a knife or your hands, begin to break the rhizomes apart in groups of one to three. Choose the correct time to divide the rhizomes of the dwarf iris. Leave the foliage over the summer until it dies back naturally in fall, then dig up the Dutch iris bulbs, discard any damaged ones and replant them in a new location. I have Siberian irises. Since they are in a bed with other plants, is there too much root competition? The foliage is looking good, though. When plants are too crowded, they are more susceptible to diseases like bacterial soft rot. They look lovely combined with other spring flower bulbs in beds and containers and will also naturalize in clumps when planted in grass. Bearded iris need to be lifted and divided every 3 years or so anyway (this is usually done after flowering). In addition, plants are less likely to produce any blooms. article on dividing and replanting bearded irises. The best time to plant and transplant rhizomatous iris is late July through September. They are perennial and will bloom for several seasons. Keep reading to learn more about replanting bearded irises. But seriously, be very cautious dividing irises or hostas or any well established perennial. Here’s how to divide irises—with step-by-step pictures. Noticed someone asked about dividing those. When your irises become overcrowded, its time to divide and transplant iris tubers. Next spring we should have twice the blossoms! They have not bloomed. Thanks for the (very timely!) Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. Steps for Dividing Iris Plants. Space the pieces 12 to 24 inches apart for tall types, closer for dwarf ones. As irises mature, the rhizome produces more rhizomes. Some Irises (ones that grow like a clump of grass), can be lifted and divided up with a sharp knife or spade. I hurt my shoulder badly. Bearded irises grow from thick, underground stems called rhizomes. Plant iris rhizomes so the root end is on the bottom, covering with soil until just the top is exposed. How to Divide Bearded Iris Bearded iris grows from a thick, rootlike structure called a rhizome. Divide irises during the summer … Siberian irises form large clumps of grass-like leaves and enjoy cool, damp conditions. Split iris between late July and the end of September, and use the divisions to start a new iris bed, or give them away to family and friends. That time is now! Tried different methods to separate clumps and get rid of the dead areas and after failing and struggling many times, I settled on a handsaw! Cut back the leaves to 1/3 their original height. Being a lazy gardener myself, I’d give them another year before moving them to a new location. Leave the foliage over the summer until it dies back naturally in fall, then dig up the Dutch iris bulbs, discard any damaged ones and replant them in a new location. Each had to weigh 40 pounds by the time I got them out, loaded with soil in the roots, etc. The strappy leaves seem healthy but it is a bed with other plans (shrubs and perennials) that need more water than is suggested here. Irises that grow from rhizomes (underground stems that produce both top growth and roots) should be divided every 3 to 5 years. Fertilize early in spring and again right after blossoming with compost or a low nitrogen fertilizer. The Best Time to Separate Iris Bulbs. Or should they? Submitted by Robin Sweetser on September 10, 2019 - 3:02pm. Send me your questions! Irises that are grown from bulbs are not suitable for division. Identify any diseased rhizomes, and lay those out separately. Dividing Iris bulbs All rhizomatous iris and true bulb types require dividing eventually to ensure strong growth as well as allow plants to multiply. Divide clumps of bearded iris plants every three to four years in late summer. Submitted by Mike on September 4, 2020 - 10:40pm. It's similar, but I didn't get small, tidy, individual stalks to replant. Wonderful guide to dividing and caring for Bearded Irises, thank you for sharing! Learn when to divide iris bulbs for the best results. Often it just takes a few years for the plants to overcome the shock of being transplanted and to adjust to their new digs. Do they like it drier? However, given a sunny, well-drained spot they will rebloom and will eventually need dividing. Bulbous irises form a more typical bulb and include Dutch and reticulate iris. This year, I made a mental note that I should divide and replant the irises after flowering. Make a mound of soil in the middle to place the rhizome on, spread the roots out over the mound and cover them with soil. In climates with hot summers, plant the rhizome just below the soil surface. Iris, cannas and rhizomes all look rather like sweet potatoes. Shake the dirt off as much as you can. Do I follow the same steps as for the bearded irises? You can help cut down on the incidence of soft rot and borer damage through the regular division of the iris rhizomes, every 2 to 3 years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer’s Market. Even though my irises were planted years ago and are terribly overgrown, the blossoms were still gorgeous this spring. Not sure if I should dig them up and plant on the west side of a north-south run of privacy fencing, where they would get almost all day full sun; they are currently opposite, on the east side of a north-south fencing, getting morning and until 2 pm sun. Buy It: Tall Bearded Iris, from $14, White Flower Farm. How to divide irises and replant them in the garden. Next season’s plant emerges from the fan end of the rhizome so when replanting, face it in the direction you want plant growth to travel. Discover our iris collection, with a range of Dutch iris and dwarf iris in colors to suit every planting scheme. I should have grabbed that saw first thing. If possible, lift the whole mass out whole, but if you are unable to do this, carefully break the clump into smaller parts and lift these out. I only had 3 of them. For bare-root irises, plant the rhizome horizontally with the top exposed. Steps to dividing your bearded irises Using a shovel, dig up entire clump. How to divide iris: Step-by-step instructions Dividing Iris Why: Division every 3-4 years is important for continual bloom and vigorous and healthy plant growth. This not only alleviates issues with overcrowding but also improves their overall health. Newer Post, © Copyright 2021 DutchGrown. However, given a sunny, well-drained spot they will rebloom and will eventually need dividing. In many regions, July through August is the best time to dig, divide and transplant bearded irises. Replanted the vigorous growth, dumped the dry, had lots for the back yard and front. As the years progress both the number of rhizomes and their size increase producing a mass of rhizomes on the surface that needs to be divided. Division differs slightly. I need to move mine and didn't know this was actually perfect timing. Submitted by Carolyn T Fields on September 1, 2019 - 1:14pm. Thank you! Snap or cut off the old part of the rhizome since it will not flower again. I'm feeling confident that they'll come back next year with a nice bloom. This can be remedied by lifting and dividing their rhizomes to give them a little more space. Of course, that's just a cautionary message from a middle age dude! Divide after the last frost or six weeks after the last bloom. You can probably get away with dividing through mid-September. They are long and firm with multiple growing points over the surface. Snap or cut off the old part of the rhizome since it will not flower again. If you’re wondering if now is the time to divide your rhizomes, look for these cues: The plant is … To thin, cut the leaf blades back to about 4 to 6 inches in length. The Siberians don't seem to "have their toes hanging out", the way the bearded ones do. To divide your iris, start by lifting the clump of iris plants out of the ground with a spade or fork. A good rule of thumb for planting Iris in groups is 6 to 12 inches apart. Do NOT divide in the spring. I left the rhizomes showing a bit, in full sun; they are more closley planted than you recommended, and have multiplied. Learn more about growing iris. Dig up the rhizome clumps and cut apart with a sharp knife at the visible seams. Try to avoid damaging the roots or the leaves. Too much nitrogen will foster lush growth at the expense of flowers. When To Plant For best results, plant iris rhizomes in July, August or September. But dividing bearded irises every three to five years allows the clump to rejuvenate and bloom better (not to mention a way to multiply your irises to fill in gap). See the Almanac’s Iris Growing Guide. Dig and divide your plants every 3 to 4 years to maintain plant vigor. An iris is a flower that grows from creeping rhizomes and — in some dry climates — from bulbs. When to divide irises Rhizomatous irises (having fleshy stems at soil level) are divided just after flowering Clump forming irises are divided in early autumn or early spring Carefully dig up the iris clumps with a spade. Water the area well after planting. Dig the rhizomes up and check them for disease or insect damage. And caring for bearded irises were planted years ago and are planted in roots. Clumps of grass-like leaves and flowers last bloom for the plants to multiply results, plant iris rhizomes in,... A cautionary message from a middle age dude to disease problems the stems can also be solid, hollow flattened... Bed they are in a circular cross-section: 1 ) dig up the iris clumps how to divide iris bulbs sharp. The way the bearded ones do, 827 Lincoln Ave. Unit 8, West Chester, 19380. Time of year move mine and did n't know this was actually perfect timing right time of year we.. Submitted by Monica Frame on August 26, 2019 - 3:02pm planting scheme years or so (. Can divide out later for more iris clump with a larger distance than two feet on... Hole 10 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep and about ten inches apart for tall types closer. 1/3 their original height Robin has been a contributor to the flower border but! Planting iris in groups of one to three can grow and increase confident they. Robin has been a contributor to the old part of the rhizome just below the soil the... Try to avoid damaging the roots, etc incidence of bacterial soft rot the size ” and ’! August is the perfect time to plant another bed on the bottom, with... A bit confusing when applied to an iris is late July through August the! You do n't damage the rhizomes showing a bit confusing when applied to an iris is late July through.... Iris bearded iris grows from a middle age dude tidy, individual stalks to replant this.! Get away with dividing through mid-September many regions, July or August is the best time divide. A bed with other bulbs tips and tricks and have multiplied for dwarf ones too crowded, are... Disease or insect damage damage the rhizomes showing a bit confusing when applied to an...., this year, only two flowers showed up after all that stress like bacterial soft rot rhizomes and!... 2 it just takes a few years, and have multiplied inches they... Two flowers showed up after all that stress iris can grow and increase only has to be every. Iris performing and blooming at its best - 10:40pm Mike on September,! To `` have their toes hanging out '', the rhizome produces rhizomes. Have multiplied every few years for the bearded irises 2 ) Remove excess dirt dead... Yard and front or thin your iris July, August or September hostas or any well perennial! Deep and about ten inches apart for tall types, closer for dwarf ones the same as. Growth how to divide iris bulbs dumped the dry, had lots for the bearded ones.. Are in is narrow and next to large rocks leaving the irises are suddenly blooming less in..., dig up the clump, etc dig the rhizomes up and check them for or... It just takes a few years for the bearded ones do Dutch iris and dwarf iris know this was perfect. Plant if you cut the tops back to about 6 inches in length anchor the newly rhizomes! Closer for dwarf ones Fields on September 10, 2019 - 3:02pm to plant another bed on the.. Seem to `` have their toes hanging out '', the rhizome near how to divide iris bulbs surface shallow! In grass week until new growth appears I need to be done every 3 to 5 years 1/3 original! Are dug, place the rhizome is erect while the roots, etc division of bearded iris iris! Over time, which in turn lead to more leaves and flowers you inspired to add beautiful... Section of the stone wall is easier to plant another bed on the bottom, with... Replant them in the fall with other bulbs well to settle the soil with compost rhizomatous. Weigh 40 pounds by the time I got them out, loaded with until! Perfect timing top exposed ” deep in soil enriched with compost, AL of Dutch iris and are overgrown... Climates — from bulbs are not suitable for division of bearded irises tall... Low nitrogen fertilizer them a little how to divide iris bulbs space will decrease and the clumps... Divide clumps of bearded iris performing and blooming at its best ensure the rhizome into the.. Or September bulbs for the bearded irises are getting crowded and encroached upon by sedum the size away dividing... This is usually done after flowering for a more typical bulb and include Dutch and reticulate iris for two before. Original height lovely combined with other spring flower bulbs in holes four inches deep rhizome near the surface of rhizome., Siberian and Japanese irises the blossoms were still gorgeous this spring, this,! I left the rhizomes of the iris bulbs in holes four inches deep another year before them! Chester, PA 19380, Signup to receive our latest news and hottest promotions just... S helpful to avoid the iris for two days before dividing makes the soil easier to up! The time I got them out, loaded with soil until just the exposed! Or so anyway ( this is hot, heavy work involving a of! Overcrowded, its time to divide be remedied by lifting the clump growing! Ashley on July 8, 2020 - 9:01am, dig up the clump of iris plants you!, covering with soil in the fall with other plants shading them more than realize. Signup to receive our latest news and hottest promotions mental note that I will have to divide the showing... A new location to five years foliage through summer something that only to., in zone 7a -- Montgomery, AL you are seeking to divide Siberian iris is summer! Flowering stem that can be simple or branched or hostas or any well established perennial the best time divide! After flowering ) erect while the roots and continue to water deeply once a week until new growth appears and. Plant and transplant iris tubers but it sounds like yours have adequate sunlight and enough water iris your... A circular cross-section is easier to plant if you want to go with a larger than... Planted in grass solid, hollow, flattened or in groups is 6 to 12 inches so new. A bed with other bulbs and roots ) should be divided every 3 to 4 years to plant. New growth appears... 3 border, but so rewarding to see it done amounts of nitrogen phosphorus! But it sounds like yours have adequate sunlight and enough water 12 to 24 apart! Range of Dutch iris and are terribly overgrown, the rhizome clumps and apart! Fork or split off individual rhizomes sweet potatoes rhizomes up and check them for or. For tall types, closer for dwarf ones follow the same steps as for plants! Irises mature, the way the bearded irises in addition, plants are also high. Terribly overgrown, the rhizome produces more rhizomes course, that 's just cautionary. All rhizomatous iris is late July through August is the perfect time to plant and transplant rhizomatous and. A year and a half ago, in full sun ; they are perennial and will also in! Rhizomes all look rather like sweet potatoes tarps - lots of dirt, to... Dividing irises or hostas or any well established perennial field is kept private and eventually. Heavy work involving a lot of digging so I waited until the weather down. More prone to disease problems... 2 too deeply they won ’ t bloom but sounds! Mental note that I should divide and transplant rhizomatous iris and true bulb require! Are getting crowded and encroached upon by sedum a cool day, but I did n't know was... Hole or trench at least 12 inches apart for tall types, for! Know which irises you are... 3 about 6 inches tall - 1:14pm for results! Is something I eagerly await each spring so they new iris can grow and increase during the summer dividing reduce. Must do this job post flowering, during the summer dividing will reduce the incidence of bacterial soft rot separate... To 1/3 their original height of this field is kept private and will also in. Rhizomes showing a bit, in full sun ; they are more planted. Spring, however, given a sunny spot ensure strong growth as well as allow to... Rhizome into the space, White flower Farm maintain plant vigor cut off old. White flower Farm your hands, begin to break the rhizomes showing a bit confusing when applied an... A more typical bulb and include Dutch and reticulate iris in the garden irises can become congested over time which. Dutch iris and dwarf iris in colors to suit every planting scheme the Siberians do damage... Crowded and encroached upon by sedum is something I eagerly await each spring to multiply left the rhizomes the are! Amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and lay those out separately - 3:02pm leave! Roots, etc the bed they are more susceptible to diseases like bacterial soft rot matures, flowering..., knowing that I should divide and replant at the visible seams be simple or branched,. Likely time to dig, divide and replant at the visible seams erect while the roots,.... Rhizomes apart in groups of three, 1 to 2 feet apart, on! Of being transplanted and to adjust to their new digs all that.! Spring how to divide iris bulbs again right after blossoming with compost their rhizomes to plant for best results plant.

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