Bearded iris are one of my first flower memories. They are a wonderful pass along plant and paired with peonies, a site to behold in mid-spring. For the most part, bearded iris are low maintenance. They do get tall and require some support or staking and to keep them blooming and thriving, they really appreciate being dividing every 2-3 years. Luckily, that's not too hard to do. So don't let that stop you from growing them. You can always share the extras with another gardener.
- Step-by-Step, with photos, of how to divide bearded iris plants.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti
Comments
Marie – I have a bearded iris in the back. Been there since before I bought my house, so over 15 years. Need and want to divide now – would it be safe to do now? There are leaves coming up – Problem is that it just spread so much and was never cared for before me and an azalea was planted next to it. The roots/rhizomes have now grown around the azalea. Can you help me out? I live on South Shore of Long Island in New York.
Thanks much – Kat
Kat, I won’t inform the plant police, if you move it now.
You won’t hurt the plants, but there’s a good chance they won’t bloom this year. Just protect the rhizomes from a late frost – and that probably won’t be an issue this year, especially on the South Shore.
Marie – LOL on the plant police…Thank you so much, I was very worried I might kill the plant doing it now…Will keep you updated. Really appreciate your help…Going to clean up the area today and weather supposed to be 60′s tomorrow, so plan on doing tomorrow. Enjoy your day
Kat
Anything special I need to take into account when starting to grow them?
Soil preparation, additional plant nutrients?
Thx.
Nam, they are pretty adaptable. They need full sun and they prefer a fast draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (something just below 7.0). I think the most important this is that the rhizome is just barely covered and they have plenty of air circulation. They need water while they’re getting established, but otherwise they are very drought tolerant and I don’t give them any supplemental food, other than the compost or all purpose organic fertilizer I add to the whole bed in the spring.
Can I dig and divide now (July) and store the rhizomes to plant in a new bed that will be dug in the fall?
Joan, they store pretty well for a couple of months if you can keep them cool and dry. Keeping them cool will help prevent them from drying out. If you have a cool basement or an air conditioned area, that should be fine.
Check them now and then to make sure they’re not shriveling. If they are, mist them, but don’t let them remain wet for days or they will rot.
I stored some in the ground, in my vegetable garden. I just lifted and replanted when the new spot was ready.