Transplanting and Dividing Iris

If I had to pinpoint one plant that has been as carefree as a plant could be, it would have to be my yellow/mustard bearded iris.

Bearded Iris

Bearded Iris

I got these so long ago I don’t even know their name. All I know is they multiply like crazy and can live quite happily without any extra water other than what mother nature provides.

I planted them in a center flower bed in the middle of my front lawn and within a few years they were taking over. About 3-4 years in I divided the two big groups, replanted JUST A FEW back into the bed, stuck about a dozen or so into two compost bags as a temporary flower bed, and threw the rest away. I wish I knew someone that wanted them, because they halfway filled a 30 gallon trash can. I kid you not.

Let’s come back to the 2 dozen I planted in the compost bags. Remember I said it was supposed to be a temporary holding bed? Well, that was 10 years ago. Want to hear something amazing? I completely neglected them and never watered them. They were the most prolific flowers I had for never getting any love from me. Just the other weekend my niece came over for Memorial Day and I gave her all of them. Of course there were MANY more than 2 dozen by then. Unbelievable!

Tips for transplanting and dividing iris:

1) It’s safe to transplant or divide when blooming time is over, but sooner than September.

2) If you have a garden fork, loosen and lift the clump of iris rhizomes until you can begin pulling the rhizomes apart.

3) It’s a good idea to cut the green leaves down by about half. Helps the little suckers to start their life anew in a different location.

A few good resources for transplanting, dividing, and growing iris:

• http://www.longsgardens.com/growing-tips.htm
• http://www.gardenguides.com/100369-divide-bearded-iris.html
• http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Flowers/Bulbs/iris2.htm
• http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=123593

I have a few more varieties that are not quite so bountiful. I also have a few stunning purple and yellow iris planted in an area that is just too darn shady. They are to the point where I’m only getting one or two flowers a year, yet they are relatively new to the location. They really need at least 6 hours of good old-fashioned sunlight. I’ve already picked out a sunny location that I’m going to move them to in a week or so. They’re going to my semi-xeriscape area. Talk about low maintenance!

Here are some more pictures of iris in my yard right now:

Variegated Iris

Variegated iris

miniature iris

Last 3 posts by Andrea Kalli

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