How to Divide and Care for Bearded Iris

By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide

Once you have the bearded iris rhizomes lifted, shake off any loose soil. Rinse off any remaining soil with a garden hose. If you don't have space to do this in the garden, it is sometimes easier and neater to do it on a tarp. Rising off the soil will allow you to better see the rhizomes and roots, to inspect for damage.

Once the rhizomes are cleaned, you can separate the individual rhizomes from one another. Don't break them apart, just loosen the already separate sections.

Previous

• 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

Next