- Author: Mary B. Gabbard
I always seem to be running a bit behind, and that statement holds true for my gardening tasks. I have to go with the attitude of “better late than never.” This past spring, I noticed my Bearded Iris had a notable decline in bloom production. This is most likely due to the fact that were planted over 5 years ago and have never been divided. I decided three weeks ago to divide my irises and replant. As I mentioned earlier, I tend to run late…this should have been done sometime July-August. I’m hoping with this last burst of hot weather, a late division and transplant won’t kill my irises. It’s fairly easy to divide and transplant an iris, just a little time consuming. Start off by carefully lifting up your iris, taking care to not damage the rhizome. I use my pitchfork to do this task. Begin pulling the rhizomes apart with your hands. You will see baby rhizomes growing off the original rhizome. I use a small putty knife to separate the baby rhizome form the original dead rhizome. (Dipping your tool in a solution of 1/10: bleach/water will help avoid spread of disease as you work from rhizome to rhizome.) Try and keep your new rhizomes about as thick as your thumb with a few healthy roots. Discard any rhizomes that are mushy, soft, or feel very lightweight. Lastly, trim leaves to about 3-6 inches long. This helps reduce stress on the plant; focus will be on new root growth rather than leaf maintenance.
I have completed the division and this weekend it’s time to transplant. Easy to do. Keep rhizome slightly visible at the soil surface with the roots fanned out below. I have the large variety of Bearded Iris - space about 12” apart. Once planted, water thoroughly and only water again when dry. Do not mulch. This can cause the rhizome to rot as we go thru fall and winter seasons. The good news is if my tardiness with transplanting late kills my irises, I can always take a field trip to our local iris farm in Vacaville!
- Author: Karen Norton
It’s been fun to enjoy the warm weather so late in October and neglect my September garden chores. September is usually the time when you divide bearded iris that have been planted three or four years and have grown together. Irises have rhizomes or underground stems and propagated by division. You can share your favorite colors with friends or increase your favorite plants and flowers. There are just a few steps to follow.
- First, carefully dig out an entire clump out of the ground using a shovel or spading fork.
- Second, wash the soil off the roots and trim the leaves into a fan shape about 6 inches long. The roots should also be trimmed to about 6" long.
- Third, cut the healthy young outer rhizomes at the intersection points with a knife from the older thick plant. Discard the old rhizome and those without leaves. Make sure each section has at least one bud (eye) preferably several. Each rhizome is a distinct plant with its own leaves and root structure.
Replant the new divisions just below the soil surface in three to five plant groups. Irises grow outward from the fan of leaves, so the fan should face out of the circle to allow for growth. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet until the iris is established.
Let me hurry up and divide my irises and don’t forget to put plant your spring bulbs now!