You can divide bearded iris anytime after flowering through August. Using a pitch fork, carefully dig around the bearded iris plant, starting about a foot away from the outer most edge. Try not to pierce the rhizome with the fork. Work the fork around the bearded iris plant and gently lift the rhizomes out of the soil. Since bearded iris are grown at soil level, this is one of the easiest plants to lift.
How to Divide and Care for Bearded Iris
By Marie Iannotti, About.com
Bearded Iris are tall, elegant additions to the flower border, but they are also relatively high maintenance. You can help cut down on the incidence of soft rot and borer damage through regular division of the iris rhizomes every 2-3 years. This will also keep bearded iris performing and blooming at its best. If left undivided, the flowering will decrease and the rhizome will be subject to more pests and damage.
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Index: How to Divide and Care for Bearded Iris
- Carefully Dig and Lift the Bearded Iris Rhizomes
- Clean off All Soil Clinging to the Bearded Iris Rhizomes
- Cut the Bearded Iris leaves to about 6 inches
- Inspect the Bearded Iris Rhizomes for Borer Damage and Soft Rot
- Dividing Your Bearded Iris
- Getting the Garden Ready to Re-plant Bearded Iris Divisions
- Re-planting Bearded Iris Divisions
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