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Moving Iris in the green

Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
in Plants
Has anyone successfully moved iris that have just finished flowering and still have their green leaves?  I am impatient and want to move some miniature iris before they have died down.

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Should be okay, I'd water them first and have the new hole waiting, they'll probably not even notice.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    Thanks Lizzie, watering is something I always forget to do when moving plants, and I know you are right as I have read this advice so often.  I plan to move the iris this week into a new large pot with a carex and a(n) heuchera call fire something, hopefully they will look good once established.
  • happycottontailhappycottontail Posts: 394
    Can you move peonies?
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    I'll have to pass on that one happycottontail - I have never grown them.  I am sure someone with far more gardening knowledge than I have will be able to answer for you, although I think it may be worth you starting another topic called moving peonies, because this one is entitled iris and may not attract the attention of peony growers, just a thought..
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    The deed is done, I have moved 5 mini iris today - most had finished flowering, although this picture will show that one is still in bloom.  I must say that I was disappointed with them though - nothing like as good as those that Monty had on last series of G.W. Hopefully they will be happy in their new pot and provide better flowers next year.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes to both queries.  :)
    The big bearded irises benefit from having the foliage cut right back, by about half, to make it easier for them to establish. If you move them at this time of year, there isn't usually any, but the other thing to look out for is wind rock. They're tricky to keep in place when moved, so it can often help to put in a couple of little twigs/canes etc to keep them steady. All depends on weather conditions and where they're going too.

    The little irises don't normally cause any probs at all GD, but they don't keep flowering year after year like other bulbs. They diminish after a few years.

    A lot of nonsense is talked about moving peonies, but they can be easily moved if you're careful. Don't bury the crown too deep - no more than about an inch below soil level, and shallower if you have heavier soil or lots of rain. Nice free draining soil, and as sunny a site as you can get. Big a rootball as possible, and have the hole ready before you start, so that they have minimal disturbance. I wouldn't do it just now though.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    Thanks Fairygirl, I will take into account your advice and hope that they do produce flowers next year.  I must say they weren't as showy as I had expected, rather disappointing actually.  I only bought 1 pkt of 10, so not the end of the world.  I also bought some white grape hyacinth a couple of years ago, and they seem to have vanished too, although the blue flower prolifically around the garden.  It is a shame that their unruly foliage dominates the garden at the moment.
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