how to divide bearded iris

Bearded irises appreciate a limed soil, so provide this if necessary. How to Divide Bearded Iris. Replant the small shoots and scrap rhizomes to maximize propagation. ", "Helped me know when and how to divide my irises, as I didn't have a clue. They have just come through winter without feeding. Bearded iris have rootlike structures known as rhizomes, which grow horizontally underground and are used for food storage. A 2-by-2-foot iris clump can easily be divided into quarters, allowing you to leave a 1-foot clump behind and have three to share or move about your garden as you wish. Using a small shovel or a garden fork, loosen the soil around the perimeter, carefully lift each clump, shake off as much soil as possible, and then hose off the roots. Can they still be divided, or are they too old? During division, they are in the grub stage. Bearded Iris The best time to divide and transplant Iris rhizomes is 2-3 weeks after the finish of blooming. Bearded irises grow from thick, underground stems called rhizomes. It’s at this point you’ll need to divide your irises, about every 3-4 years. Can I divide my bearded iris the first week of October in Maine? Carefully dig up the iris clumps with a spade. Credit: Getty Images. 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. Bearded irises grow from thick, underground stems called rhizomes. Well-written.". If your bearded iris leaves have dark streaks in them, you probably have iris borers, so look closely. Step 1: Dig Up Clumps. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Thank you for the explanations. Research source In an old picture album my mom has there is a photo of me as a baby sitting on a blanket on the lawn of my Grandmothers house. ", "When to divide them was helpful. This article has been viewed 210,913 times. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Bearded irises grow from thick, fleshy, underground stems called rhizomes. If you don't have space to do this in the garden, it is sometimes easier and neater to do it on a tarp. Then, dig up the plant, keeping as many roots as possible. The traditional technique is to dig up the iris six weeks after flowering, divide and replant. Avoid moving daylilies in summer in climates with long hot summers and in cold climates during winter. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 210,913 times. As your bearded iris grows, the original rhizome will clump out and produce more rhizomes. Once you have the bearded iris rhizomes lifted, shake off any loose soil. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Division should be done about a month after your iris finishes blooming. Choose the correct time to divide the rhizomes of the dwarf iris. Using a garden fork, carefully dig up the clumps of rhizomes. Start now. Rinse any remaining soil with a garden hose. Dig the rhizomes up and check them for disease or insect damage. Unlike Dutch irises that grow from bulbs, bearded irises grow from tuberous roots. You can help cut down on the incidence of soft rot and borer damage through regular division of the iris rhizomes every two to three years. Cut back the leaves to 1/3 their original height. Bearded iris grows and blooms best in a location that … Only dig up an iris plant when it is dormant. Unlike Dutch irises that grow from bulbs, bearded irises grow from tuberous roots. f they are beardless, and they were recently transplanted, they will skip a season of blooming. 1. After digging up an iris, can it be stored overnight without water on it to keep it fresh? The bearded iris will rot and won't bloom if buried too deeply. Also look for soft spots, another common iris problem called soft rot. At least a half a day of sun is required, in a well-drained spot. Irises are a beautiful spring flower. Find natural places to make a split, such as where the rhizome has forked. The best time to dig, divide, and replant bearded irises is in July and August. In addition, plants are less likely to produce any blooms. Bearded Iris - Divide and Conquer: Bearded irises are beautiful, easy to grow plants that can easily take over your planter in just a few years. and have at least one fan of leaves on the rhizome. Iris borers wreak havoc on irises. Caring for your Bearded Iris. Try not to spear or cut the rhizomes. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Some people cut the green leaves when dividing bearded irises, but it is not required. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Dig your hole so the roots are beneath the soil, and the rhizome is sitting at the soil level, just exposed to the sun. How do you divide bearded irises? Over time, these rhizomes can … Irises can become congested over time, which tends to inhibit flowering. Iris Ranger? Then make a clean cut through the rhizome, using the same sharp, disinfected knife or pruner. So when is the best time to divide irises? Lift clumps carefully to avoid damaging the rhizomes. Here’s how you do it: Get involved The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. I live in CO and I have never divided my bearded iris. Managed planting of individual irises, genetically programmed to bloom at different times of the year, can provide you with a succession of iris … Choose the correct time to divide the rhizomes of the dwarf iris. A 2-by-2-foot iris clump can easily be divided into quarters, allowing you to leave a 1-foot clump behind and have three to share or move about your garden as you wish. Moving along, here are some things to consider when renovating an old iris bed. Divide bearded iris every third year for the good of the parent plant and to create more plants. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Louisiana iris, distinguished by its lengthy rhizomes, is treated much like tall bearded iris, but can take a bit more moisture. How to Divide Bearded Iris. Once the rhizomes are clean, look for small to medium holes. Using a pitchfork, carefully dig around the bearded iris plant, starting about a foot away from the outer-most edge. Bearded … Bearded … Dividing is easy and helpful to them, especially if you notice the middle is empty - that is a sure sign they are reading for dividing. Rhizome Plant Care Iris Rhizomes Iris Garden Iris Propagating Plants Plants Iris Flowers Garden Bulbs. Over time thousands of iris hybrids have been developed and introduced, resulting in a huge variety of plant sizes and flower color combinations. In warmer climates, cover the rhizome with 1-3cm of soil to prevent scalding. Irises can become congested over time, which tends to inhibit flowering. It is very easy and you can share your extras with friends and family. Here are a few tips for dividing and transplanting German bearded iris properly. Iris Warden? Why? In … By using The Spruce, you accept our, How to Grow and Care for Water Lilies and Lotus, Signs of Squash Vine Borer Damage and How to Control It, Tips for Storing Tender Bulbs for the Winter. The best time to divide bearded irises is in the late summer/early fall. In some places such as Michigan, you can digup iris rhizomes and set in the yard for a couple months with no ill effect. Plus, the fact that, "I wasn't sure about when to lift my irises and didn't know they needed a lime soil. Approved. The picture below clearly shows that although the Rhizome is standing proud the roots are firmly below the soil level. I live in Edmonton, AB. The bearded iris (Iris germanica) grows as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 10. Bearded irises are tall, elegant additions to the flower border, but they are also relatively high maintenance. Photo: tbrnewsmedia.com. As your bearded iris grows, the original rhizome will clump out and produce more rhizomes. Divide irises during the summer dormancy period into early fall, at least 6 weeks after the last blooms have faded. Full of different colors and an amazing fragrance, they are the envy of every gardener. Some of my irises did not bloom this spring. How to divide iris. Carefully dig up the iris clumps with a spade. Rhizomes can be stored without water, just like bulbs and corms. Too little sun is a possibility. Steps 1. Cut back the leaves to 1/3 their original height. How to: Divide bearded iris. German irises are gorgeous in bloom, but need frequent division. Soak the roots and rhizome for a few hours before planting if you have stored them dry. The roots are quite long and will help anchor the newly planted rhizome in place. The following step-by-step guide shows the correct process for dividing these hearty plants for a healthy bloom each spring. After flowering lift the rhizome with a garden fork. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. "I never knew the proper time of the year to split the irises, so this really helped with that. Wash the soil from the … The reason you should divide your irises in late spring after they bloom is because they need warm soil for roots to grow and nourish the plant for the following season. My irises have gotten too big for the bed I planted them in, so this "how to" totally helped me with my thinning and transplanting. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Once the rhizomes are clean, cut the foliage to about 6 inches. Iris germanica is commonly known as bearded or German iris. Then cut the rhizomes apart with a sharp knife. The bearded iris grows its leaves, flower stems and roots from a thick structure called a rhizome. It would be a pretty badge, with an iris in the middle. Wash the soil from the rhizomes and roots with a steady stream of water. Divide clumps of iris when growth is crowded, usually three to four years after the rhizome was planted. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. My irises are too tall and fall over. Dividing the bearded irises is key to remedying one issue entirely, while the other will continue to sting indefinitely until I grow used to this new situation. Lift clumps of iris carefully using a shovel or pitch fork. Know when to divide the rhizomes. Tie thin strips of colored rags on the bud stalks while they are in bloom in order to identify the colors of mixed patches during division. Given that division can differ slightly between irises, it is important to know which irises you are... 3. ", "The best parts: Simplicity. Since bearded irises are grown at soil level, this is one of the easiest plants to lift. Choose the right time of year to divide. Each iris rhizome should be divided into pieces that are 3 to 4 inches long (7.5 to 10 cm.) My garden runs late. It comes from the Iridaceae family and originated in southern and central Europe. Step-by-step process, along with pictures, made it very clear. Bearded Iris need good drainage or they will rot. The best time to divide bearded irises is in the late summer/early fall. How to Divide German Bearded Iris This will often give you a huge clump, sometimes 3 feet (90 cm) wide! Cut the leaves back to 1/3 their original height. Once the rhizomes are cleaned, separate the individual rhizomes from one another. Study the rhizome and make sure each section you have chosen will wind up being at least 3 inches long and will have healthy roots growing from it. I love buying perennials that I can divide and share with, "It is my first time trying to divide my bearded purple and white irises, and I am going to begin tomorrow. It’s important to divide your bearded irises every few years to keep them floriferous and healthy, and to make new plants. ", others. Divide irises by separating the rhizomes, removing rotten growth and replanting vigorous stems. Divide the rhizomes by pulling them apart with your hands. Ahem. These plants need to be divided every few years, when flowering declines or the clump becomes crowded. To divide irises, use a spade or garden fork to carefully lift them out of the soil. Don't break them apart; just loosen the already separate sections. Next, brush of as much dirt as possible from the iris rhizomes. Reviewing your article always, "I was not sure right time of year to divide. When to divide Bearded Iris. Re-blooming irises grow faster than regular irises, so unlike the standard bearded iris, you'll need to divide them more often. How to divide iris rhizomes for maximum beauty and keep them blooming! I have to move my iris bed. 337. Saved by Flower Patch Farmhouse. ", http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/iris/2002045002020707.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, Choose firm rhizomes that have both roots and a leaf fan. Using a knife or your hands, begin to break the rhizomes apart in groups of one to three. Monet used Bearded Iris for this in his garden, with real style and flair. Step One: Preparing the plant You can divide iris at any time of the year, but the recommended time is 4 to 6 weeks after blooming. Whilst dividing the iris we tend to cut the foliage in half (on the rhizomes that are quite large and have more than 3 leaves). Divide clumps of iris when growth is crowded, usually three to four years after the rhizome was planted. Identify the clumps you want to separate. This will keep the stalks with multiple blooms from lying on the ground or breaking at ground level. Try not to pierce the rhizome with the fork. Can I dig up and store Rhizome over the summer months? 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learning that they can be lifted after bloom was helpful. Bearded iris, also known as Iris germanica, is a long-lived perennial grown from thick, fleshy roots, or rhizomes. Leave the healthy older portions of the plant intact. The bearded iris should be divided in late summer when the weather starts to cool. Diagrams. Know your iris. Steps for Dividing Iris Plants To divide your iris, start by lifting the clump of iris plants out of the ground with a spade or fork. Step-by-Step Directions. Bearded Iris (Iris x germanica) also known as Rainbow Iris or Flag Iris is an evergreen perennial rhizome. My Irises did not flower this year, and I have a patch where nothing grew. Wash the soil from the rhizomes with a forceful stream of water from the garden hose. Divide irises during the summer … ", helps make the replanting process manageable. % of people told us that this article helped them. Step 2: Break Apart Rhizomes. Choose a full sun location and start by digging a shallow hole that will be wide enough to spread out the rhizome's roots. ", "I never knew this and you provided the information I needed! It works very well and you can still get blooms. Division and transplanting allows the clump to rejuvenate and also provides a way to multiply your iris. A good time to divide and move bearded iris is six weeks after flowering until six weeks before winter frosts to flower next season. Dividing Irises in the Fall. This will also keep bearded irises performing and blooming at their best. Bearded irises can be stored dry for a few days to a couple weeks before replanting, and this may prevent rot. Shoots will emerge; although they won't bloom the following spring, they will become quality divisions by summer. I,ve, "I'm preparing to move over one hundred iris bulbs from our lake cabin to our home. Cover the division with soil, being careful not to bury the rhizome with more than an inch or two of soil. Pamela McGeorge and Alison Nicoll, Irises, p. 23, (2001), ISBN 1-86953-470-0, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Divide-Bearded-Irises-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Divide-Bearded-Irises-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Divide-Bearded-Irises-Step-1.jpg\/aid447589-v4-728px-Divide-Bearded-Irises-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"