What next for bearded iris

Posts

• Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

  July 2023

  It's in desperate need of splitting and replanting - that's why there are no flowers.
  Now is the right time to do it.
  Some info here -
  https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/iris/dividing
  Most important is to replant so the tubers get baked in the summer sun - that will ensure flowers next year.

  
  Billericay - Essex
  
  Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
  Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

  0
• darren hansen 134 Posts: 122

  July 2023

  Am afraid that I may kill it if I do it wrong 

  0
• darren hansen 134 Posts: 122

  July 2023

  Do I just cut away the leaves and then use a spade straight through it?

  0
• Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

  July 2023

  No - you read the article I provided a link to which explains how it's done.
  Using your suggestion will kill them.
  
  It'll take less than an hour to divide and replant them.
  I have several clumps and divide them every 3-4 years when they start to become congested.

  
  Billericay - Essex
  
  Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
  Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

  1
• darren hansen 134 Posts: 122

  July 2023

  Thanks..I got a bit confused but have looked at it and will do it.. correctly 😁.. thanks 

  0
• Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

  July 2023

  Once you've dug it up, you'll be able to see what need doing.
  The old rhizomes will have fresh new rhizomes with leaves coming from them - they are the ones you want to keep. The old rhizomes can be thrown away.
  When replanting the new rhizomes they need to be on the soil surface pointing in a direction where they will get the most sun with the leaves at the back so they're not shading the rhizome.
  Cut back the fan of leaves to about 4-6" so they don't move too much in the wind then keep them watered for a few weeks until they grow new roots.
  You should get quite a few from that clump and have a great display next year.
  
  I bought one plant a few years ago then split it a few years later so now I have lots-
  
  
  

  
  Billericay - Essex
  
  Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
  Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

  1
• tui34 Posts: 3,493

  July 2023

  Hi
  I don't know about you @Pete.8 but in September, (or early autumn), I cut the leaves three quarters down on a slant.  

  A good hoeing is worth two waterings.
  
  

  0
• Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

  July 2023

  I've not done that but can understand it may be a good idea in a windy spot to stop root damage from movement.
  I usually just remove any dead leaves and give them a general tidy-up.
  They get a sprinkle of blood fish and bone in early spring.
  I'd like to be able to mulch them as I do with my other plants, but find the mulch ends up covering the rhizomes.

  
  Billericay - Essex
  
  Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
  Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

  0