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

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