name for the rainbow goddess of Greek mythology , irises are tall , graceful perennial that produce an amazing classification of showy bloom in sumptuous colors and have a honeyed floral smell .
Once established , plant form large , attractive cluster as the fleshy rhizomes creep and spread .
However , when the roots become overcrowded , the center of the clump can pass out and blossom production dwindles .
Photo by Lorna Kring.
To keep your iris resist strong and vivacious , you should dig and divide before they become overcrowded , typically every three to four years .
Lifting and trimming the root rejuvenates survive bunch for improved anthesis , and you ’ll have plenty of leftover rhizome to organ transplant to new locations .
So , grab your pecker , and let ’s get begin ! Here ’s how to split and transplant your sword lily .
Photo by Lorna Kring.
What You’ll Learn
When to Divide
Lift the Clumps
Trim , Clean , and Inspect
Trim the rooter
Divide the rootstock
Replant
opt Containers Wisely
To prevent iris overcrowding and declining flower product , docket solution segmentation for every three or four years .
The skilful time to separate and graft is after they ’ve finished flowering , when plants go dormant in summer .
To pinch and divide , wait six to eight weeks after efflorescence , or contrive to do it from midsummer until early tumble .
trend back any spent flower angry walk as nigh to the leaves as possible .
Before dividing , allow for the top two to three inches of dirt to dry out . This makes removal easier because the rhizomes and roots are very near to the surface – they do n’t require soaking to first loosen them .
Start by using a garden fork or spade to loosen and airlift clumps .
slip in the crotch fully into the soil along the dripline , or three to four inches outside of the seeable rhizomes . relax the soil all the way around .
Lift out the intact mass if possible .
If the clump ca n’t be lifted in one piece , use a clean , sharp spade orgarden knifeto cut the clump into smaller , manageable size and then lift .
With a soft bristle brush , remove as much grease as potential from the rootstalk and radical , taking care to entrust the roots intact . Cleaning lay down it easier to see where to dissever and to visit for possible pests .
lop and discard any big slice that do n’t have an connected foliage fan , including the center of clumps . Also discard the older ends of rootstock that no longer have participating root growth – this is the end furthest from the leaf fan .
Inspect the stay rootstock carefully .
Discard any that are dry , powdery , soft , smelly , or that display sign of borer .
Borers are worm that target the upper side of rhizome of tall whiskery varieties , boring diminished holes the size of it of a pencil lead . leafage fan can also appear to be waterlogged if infested .
Before replanting , trim the leaf lover back to a height of six to 10 inch .
This allows plant life to focalize their energy into establishing healthy roots and away from supporting a full showing of foliage .
Also , a full fan can catch more air current , shifting rootstock before the roots are establish – reduce the sports fan serve to keep jazz rock ‘n’ roll .
To produce bloom , each subdivision of rhizome must have an affiliated foliage buff .
Using a clean garden knife or scissors , shorten rootstock into pieces about three to four column inch tenacious with at least one entire fan . Do not take the rootage .
To prevent bacterial contagion , dot the deletion ends with a powdery fungicide such as garden sulfur .
iris do best in a full sun locating with rich , well - drain soil and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.0 .
Here are the planting steps :
Plant rhizomes singly , or in group of three or five , spacing them about three to five inches apart for dwarf and miniature motley , and four to six inch apart for grandiloquent unity .
Situate the leaf buff to the outside and space grouping 12 to 24 inches apart – less aloofness for nanus varieties , and more for marvellous bearded ones .
Dwarf and miniature varieties are a good choice for containers as well .
Ensure containers have drainage hole and bring a layer of material such as broken clayware or pebble to the bottom of skunk to assist with draining the ground .
Fill containers with a light hommos - ample grime and plant life as outlined above , keeping the rootstock tops exposed to the sunshine .
Water softly to decide in place .
Water on a regular basis when the top two in of grunge are dry .
Provide container with winter protection in a rime - free location , or add a inscrutable four- to six - column inch layer ofleaf moldor straw mulch to protect the rootstalk .
Ensuring Vigorous Blooms
For a continuous video display of vigorous blooms , project to divide flag clumps before they become overcrowded , or every few old age .
After dividing your rhizomes , replant and transplanting freely – there ’s always plenty of rootstock .
Pot up the surplus into small containers for family , admirer , neighbors , or your local plant commutation . They make an appreciated gift or bartering chip !
And for more information aboutgrowing irisesin your garden , retard out these pathfinder next :
Photos by Lorna Kring © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . in the beginning release August 12th , 2021 . Last updated April 28th , 2025 . Uncredited picture : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
