How to Divide and Plant Bearded Iris

Here's a thorough explanation and demonstration of bearded iris, how to divide them, and how to plant them. Iris flowers are wonderful in spring and in mid-summer you can divide them and add the beautiful flowers to other areas of your landscape. By dividing Bearded Iris and planting them with a portion of the rhizome above the soil, you'll enjoy these plants for many years.

[@MooingShroom]

Best demo and explanation of dividing and planting bearded irises that I have ever viewed.

[@heatherthomas7545]

you are the only person who explained why you need to cut back perfectly good leaves. This was an extremely informative video, thank you!

[@aimeekitty]

Thank you, this was very easy to understand and didn't have filler useless areas. Thank you for making such a good video on on this!

[@aliceschaaf5995]

Thank you for replying. I enjoyed your video.

[@laurabartoletti6412]

Thanks for Iris replanting information, I think Iris blooms are so beautiful! 🐞🐝🍀🌻

[@marywitteborg4543]

Great explanation and detail. Especially loved the cameo of your beautiful lab helping you.

[@bhubansingh1571]

Excellent instructions. Very thorough. Very practical. Thank you .

[@stellarhope6954]

thank you

[@street_biologist6727]

We have been looking for instructions to relocate our irises and my wife came across your video. We both loved it how wonderfully you detailed the whole process. Now, we will just wait for the irises to finish blooming and relocate them. Thank you!!

[@marymary4164]

So helpful, thanks Scott. I'm going out to divide mine right now!

[@richnam3188]

Awesome and thorough video. Thanks

[@doranettleman268]

Great video on bearded irises. Very informative.

[@lynnburns7663]

Thank you for this excellent video. I have watched a few but this by far was the most informative. Apex, Nc.

[@pyungwhaoh]

Thank you for this tutorial! Your steps are so clear and easy to follow!

[@bwhatever60]

Thankyou for the very well explained and demonstrated way to divide and re-plant bearded iris. I feel confident I can do this now.

[@kathyeskandari7290]

Great video thank you very much! Your instructions are clear and the visual of what to do is extremely helpful and thoughtful.

[@jimcox7054]

Great, crystal clear instruction! Thank you.

[@pattyburnett2353]

Appreciate appreciate you explaining the process of transplanting bearded irises!! Thank you!! Had transplanted them in HOT August in Mississippi, but they were looking sick. Now I know why!!!

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Good explanation and close up video sure helps!

[@databang]

Very thoughtful and thorough, thanks!

[@elainieg]

that was excellent, thanks for sharing with me, I just love irises, have quite a few already, need to separate them, want to get different colors. they are so gorgeous..

[@lancasterII]

Thank you sir, very helpful and so easy to do thanks to this video. God bless from Canada! ☺️🙏🍁

[@jlevan1996]

Timely! Just about to move some irises from my front yard.

[@DogMomCMF]

Thank you, excellent description, doing this today!

[@audreysweeney5338]

Thanks for explaining how to divide irises.

[@betsybrowne4969]

Thanks for this great explanation with helpful details!!

[@rajaiyer79]

I didn't think I was going to like this video but I loved it! You covered every single question I had. From when to transplant and down to the details of how to plant them. New subscriber. Thanks for making this video!

[@GardenerScott]

Glad it was helpful! Welcome to the channel.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Thank you! You’re very informative.

[@deanharvey7556]

Great information and very easy to understand video.

[@margomason4889]

Many thanks for this important information!

[@justinwhite6787]

Super helpful! Thank you! I didn't know about the foliage trimming! I now have a Lot of work to do :)

[@keeptrying5962]

VERY helpful, thank you!

[@Word_For_Word]

Very informative. Thankyou!

[@doniellestenson3502]

Wonderful tutorial❤

[@alishahammer7227]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@sanadajuku9511]

It was a really good video! I was wondering how to care beautiful bearded iris plants planted by previous owner of our new house. Thank you.

[@sophiestorontolife6566]

Nice house, garden.

[@mmcharg4655]

Very well explained. Thanks a lot. Subscribed.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Welcome to the channel.

[@QueenOfKings0402]

The best video I’ve seen on this. I’m going to tackle this job on 3 huge irises hopefully today and I hope it works so they can bloom next year in their new locations

[@michellehouseburg527]

Well did they rebloom

[@QueenOfKings0402]

@@michellehouseburg527 yes they did and didn’t even fertilize them. I left them for dead and they grew perfectly

[@michellehouseburg527]

@@QueenOfKings0402 that's awesome just did mine today not bloomed in 5 years since my grandpa got sick I recently moved into his house and thought I give them a shot 🤞

[@QueenOfKings0402]

@@michellehouseburg527 if they haven’t bloomed add some fertilizer in the early spring. I use rootblast and they double in size overnight. They are the biggest irises and the leaves are glorious, trust. And make sure they get full sun, they prefer that over even water.

[@fyt00000]

​@@QueenOfKings0402 Does that make the plant big or the blooms or both? Thanks for all your info.

[@cynbeall210]

I have an acre of Irises. I see I have my work cut out for me. But Thank You. Great Video.

[@SKnecht1948]

Thank you for the video. I learned a lot.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.

[@JDoe-hb7pc]

Thanks this was great!

[@jakefuller79]

Excellent

[@the_angry_empath]

Thank you!

[@janv4897]

I need to transplant some special black irises and give some to family, but have been afraid to actually tackle the job. Thank you for showing the whole process. I'm going to head out to begin now.

[@janicemassey7981]

Most helpful

[@wildchook745]

I love bearded iris. I have to divide my lot.

[@geraldschuler3882]

Thank you

[@Mel-kl3vp]

Thanx 👍

[@trishferrer8209]

Loved this video! Very informative and instructional. My knees do not bend well, certainly cannot squat or sit on my heels. That said, could I transplant the irises into large containers instead of the ground? They are in-ground now, and very overcrowded. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Irises in big pots can be beautiful.

[@lindakhandro]

Hi and thank you! I've been an iris fan for a long time, and have had hit/miss success with dividing and replanting. But it still amazes me the quantity and diversity of color that actually flower. I think I know why now! The misses? Rhizomes too deep or maybe too wet (I'm in Seattle, WA) and certainly too crowded in some spots. But this year (end of June now) I'm dividing and replanting a lot more, and have about 25 plants on order to arrive in late July/early August so am scrambling for space! My questions are: I now understand I should have mounded some soil under the rhizomes and let the roots hang into the hole; didn't do that. But the rhizomes are just at or above soil level so hopefully they'll all be ok. Also, I may be watering the new plantings too much - we DO have some very dry days; should I let the soil dry out to some optimal depth? Will the leaves indicate too much water? Finally, on planting, I have put roots briefly into a transplant shock solution as I do with veggies, berries, annuals, other perennials etc. Is that not a good idea with the iris? Thank you! I am subscribing as we speak!

[@GardenerScott]

Irises don't like soggy soil and it's easy to overwater. If the depth of planting is okay they should be fine. Consistently moist soil at root level is a good target, but the leaves don't change color quickly to show a problem like other plants. They're tough plants and aren't easily shocked so much that they won't recover. Welcome to the channel!

[@leahthomas4299]

can you post of photo of your garden now s o we can see what the irises look like now please, thank you

[@joshuaharper4439]

I have a small section in my backyard has a owl 3 x 3 area of irises my question is only a few flowers grow on some of these rest or just green leaves and that’s it is there a reason for this and my doing something wrong I would think I should get more flowering out of all these thanks for any help

[@josieraimondi6763]

Wish you lived in Indianapolis. This is an excellent video. 2 years ago, I bought about $200 worth of irises but the lady who planted them got them too deep. I only got one bloom out of about 20 plants. I need to "lift them" so they can have the top remaining above ground. I'm afraid I'll kill them, however. I guess time will tell. Thank you for a great instructional video.

[@GardenerScott]

Don't worry about killing them. They are very tough and the worst thing for irises is to be too deep. By raising them you will probably save most of them.

[@caroldavis5921]

Great video, thanks! I just dug up some plants from western Colorado and brought them back to Vegas. (they're from our old house). I know others have success with them here. Would now be a good time to plant? I think we're zone 9. If not, how to I save the bulbs to plant later? Thanks!

[@GardenerScott]

Late summer and early fall are good times to plant. If you wait, the rhizomes can be stored in a cool, dark spot.

[@sarahlhmadden5997]

Hi Gardener Scott- Thanks for this great video! I have a large clump of Irises that are commingled with Virgina Spiderwort. The irises are overcrowded and falling all over each other, so I'd like to divide them later in the summer. Any advice on how to deal with the Virginia Spiderwort during the dividing process? Thanks!

[@GardenerScott]

If you don't want the Spiderwort it's a good opportunity to pull it out.

[@raj66kas]

Thanks for the great video. Question What are some of those big bush flowering plant in the background. I live Texas and the heat just kills most plants that I've tried to plant. My backyard gets all day sun. Do you have any recommendations for website or videos to watch.

[@GardenerScott]

They are Blue Mist Spirea and they do very well in low-water, hot areas. Check with your Extension website. I use Colorado Extension fact sheets for a lot of recommendations.

[@amandavhb1630]

Hi Gardner Scott! I just bought my first house and have lovely bearded iris plants of all colors. I have cleaned up all the dead leaves around the bases and been removing the flowers once they wilt. Should they be pruned back to 3 to 5 inches like you did in the video at a certain time/season?

[@GardenerScott]

The pruning is best done after they're dug up before transplanting. If you leave them in the ground there is no reason to prune until the end of the season when the leaves brown.

[@amandavhb1630]

@@GardenerScott thank you so much for the reply! I love your videos and look forward to watching them every evening. Happy Gardening!

[@kristinfrink9774]

Thank you for the video. Can I put them in a green house/pot until later Fall and plant again? Trying to plan around moving and hoped to bring some of my beautiful iris to the new home.

[@GardenerScott]

I would suggest storing in a cool location before moving them, rather than a green house.

[@kristinfrink9774]

@@GardenerScott thank you- how long can I store them without being in the ground?

[@GardenerScott]

In a cool, dark, dry location they can store for months.

[@adm6785]

What is that gorgeous huge busy plant behind you at the 10:28 mark? Absolutely stunning! 🥰

[@GardenerScott]

It is a Blue Mist Spirea.

[@brandiisbell7746]

Perfect timing on this video I just dug and separated Iris and I'm doing it just the way you said. Big question what's the beautiful shrub with the pretty blue flowers it's really stunning. I always watch your videos when I have questions and you always have the right answer. Thank you ever so much

[@GardenerScott]

That's Salvia. It's great for attracting pollinators. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

There's also Blue Mist Spirea. That may be it too.

[@Griffcake]

I have a huge iris bed I inherited from my aunt after I bought her house; it’s planted right next to the road. An internet company is planning to put new wiring in our neighborhood, and it looks like it’s going to go right through the iris bed. I’m feeling a little panicked and dug up a couple of clumps already (out of about a dozen), but I don’t have a plan of where to put them yet, and I’m not sure now (early February in Raleigh, NC) is a good time to transplant them, anyway. What can I do to save these plants? I might be overreacting, but I keep imagining the wire layers stomping through it and digging a trench without a care right through the plants.

[@GardenerScott]

You can dig up the rhizomes now and store them in a cool, dark location until you can get them in the ground again. The plants are tough and can handle transplanting well, but you may not get flowers in the first year as they re-establish.

[@Griffcake]

Thank you! Should I cut the leaves off closer to the rhizomes since I won’t be planting them soon? Also, I’m thinking they should be fine in boxes in my garage though the winter and spring, but it gets really hot starting in June. Do I need to make sure they stay cool until I can plant them later? I keep hearing people in NC say to plant them in October; is that right? Sorry for the bombardment of questions; I’ve never had city planning force me to try and learn this quickly how to take care of my plants. :)

[@kathyp3494]

Very informative. I moved a bunch of irises about three weeks ago. How long does it,take til there is rooting and new growth?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. There should be new rooting right away, but you won't see new growth above ground until the next season. You're dividing in the fall after summer growth has filled the rhizomes with energy. That energy will be focused on root growth through the fall.

[@kathyp3494]

@@GardenerScott Thank you. I pulled on one, in two different planting areas, and they came right up. I am not sure they really are rooting. I waited two days before replanting them. Maybe I should have planted them right away.

[@dollybennett2046]

Thank you! Do you feed your risis when you plant or at any other time?

[@GardenerScott]

Irises don't need much fertilizer and with a fertile soil they don't need any. Fertilizing at planting can be a good idea and fertilizing in spring with a bulb fertilizer is okay if the soil needs it.

[@gailkraft7168]

I enjoyed the video. Can irises do well in planter boxes?

[@GardenerScott]

Sure. They can grow well in deep boxes, at least 8-12 inches.

[@geraldschuler3882]

When you split the irises do you need to put any thing on the broken end of the raison?

[@GardenerScott]

No, it will naturally heal. I like to leave it exposed to the air for a day.

[@billmitchell5805]

Thanks, after transplanting the iris to your new location, did you do anything to amend the soil prior to the transplant? Also, looks like you left them in the open with NO MULCH? I had 3 different areas with Bearded Iris and most didn't flower much or not at all. From what I've read, I either planted too deep or surrounded them with pine straw. I'm going to give them one last try and move them to a full sun bare area. You video showed me how to do it right. Thanks again

[@GardenerScott]

The soil was amended with compost before transplanting. I did add a light layer of wood chip mulch later, but Irises can have problems if planted too deeply or mulched heavily.

[@billmitchell5805]

@@GardenerScott I had planted them in a bed probably too close to my lawn sprinkler and they probably got too much water and between being buried a little too deep they had pine straw mulch all around all the plants as I did with all other plants. I guess I'll leave them more open and bare once planted. Need to go out and get som compost to mix with the soil. Thanks for your help.

[@stephenluna7932]

thank you for recommending this video to me, I transplanted those Iris's I mentioned to you a few weeks ago and thought leaving the leaves would help the rhizome. Does clipping the stems for lillies help those rhizomes as well?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, once they have flowered you can cut the stems.

[@2qlrn273]

One reason for trimming the leaves on Iris when transplanting, is to lessen the action of wind on those leaves, which can loosen the plant in the soil as it is trying to root & grow. So it helps to keep them stable at that crucial time of development.

[@rosemaryavery2074]

like the video - my problem - with te top of the rhrizone peeking out of the soil - l find my iris on top of the soil in the spring and not in good condition - l understand it is frost heave - so this year l am planting them deeper and wll remove excess soil in the spring - advise please

[@GardenerScott]

Iris rhizomes can rot easily if in a wet location. If you have relatively dry conditions you can plant them a little deeper, but keep an eye on them. I use mulch over the winter to help moderate soil temperature. It helps reduce some of the frost heave.

[@user-bk8ey1fl1z]

Hi Thanks for the video. I'm wondering how long I could store the rhizomes to plant later? Annette

[@GardenerScott]

In a cool, dry location they can last a few weeks without much problem. They don't store well for long periods. Keep them cool and dry with air circulation and inspect regularly for rotting or mold.

[@cbak1819]

Nice job, what is the bush to the left in back of you at the end on video?

[@GardenerScott]

It's Blue Mist Spirea.

[@michellemealing793]

My husband and I just moved into a new house that has many large clumps of Irises. How frequently should we divide and replant - each year or less frequently? By the way, I loved your video. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

Iris can go 3-5 years before dividing again. Thanks.

[@jirinasatavova4062]

Hi, could you advise me how to replant the old climbing roses?

[@GardenerScott]

Basically, you want to transplant when the plant is dormant in early spring, after danger of frost. Cut the canes back to a length that allows you to move the plant and dig out as much of the root ball as possible. Have the hole ready to go with organic amendments and water well after transplanting. I don't have a video on it, but there is more specific information if you do a search for transplanting roses.

[@PreservingMyOasis]

Question: I saw that you have planted just above the ground. As the rhizome must be above ground. What about mulching. Can you put 3" of mulch over it like you do with the rest of the garden?

[@GardenerScott]

You can mulch but the depth and type depends on your weather. In my dry region I use about 2" of wood chip mulch on or around my Irises. It stays dry enough that it doesn't pose a problem, but in wet regions it would increase the likelihood of excessive moisture causing rot.

[@elainieg]

Hi gardener Scott, irises are such beautiful show pieces, but they don't last long enough do they? just wanted to let you know that Vesey Bulbs are selling reblooming german irises, they bloom right up to the fall. Gotta get some of these for sure as these are my favorite flowers. Have a question for you. If I flip grass upside down when making a new garden bed, how long does it take for this flipped dirt and grass to disintegrate into plain earth, so you can plant? A year? thank you. Also if I order a few different colored iris rhyzomes, is it better to plant each one a foot away from each other like you showed, or could I plant 4 or 5 of a different color together, this would be gorgeous once in bloom don't you think? Appreciate your expertise advice thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for the tip on irises. The flipped grass will break down within a few months when covered with soil and kept moist. If you don't cover it with a few inches of soil it can take a year. You can plant different colors together. I like groups of color, but feel free to plant how you like.

[@elainieg]

@@GardenerScott thank you. Love that you respond and so quickly. Is Scott your first or last name, first name I think eh?

[@buddyplatt6496]

Can you divide & replant German Iris that succumbed to fungus, but were sprayed with baking soda? Would I need to repeat before Division & replanting?

[@GardenerScott]

You might see better results if the fungus is treated before dividing. Stronger, disease-free rhizomes will do better.

[@cargold7597]

I had an area with old compacted iris and weeds. I am not finished digging up the ground. Will they survive a week in a box if I add a bit of water and keep out of the sun?

[@GardenerScott]

They should survive. Be careful with water because that can promote rot. A cool, dry, shaded spot is often enough for just a few days of storage.

[@kayreid9921]

I moved last August from Bham, AL to a small town an hour away. I dug up some iris rhizomes from my yard and stored on paper in my garage over winter. I just planted them today (May 17). Some looked pretty dried out. Will they grow? I know they won’t bloom this year but if I keep them watered but not too much, will they be okay and bloom next year. They are in a full sun location. Thanks for your advice! Kay

[@GardenerScott]

There is a good chance some of them will grow. You might lose some, but consistent watering without saturating the soil should give the healthy ones a chance.

[@pmantas5556]

Its April in NY My neighbor put Iris out to the curb. If I plant them now will they survive? Its cool and rainy here.

[@2qlrn273]

Did you try planting any of them . . . &, how did they do, assuming that you did?

[@east928]

I'm relocating to another state and will take some of my iris with me. How do I keep them alive before I replant them? There will be about 1.5 weeks of dead time between moves. Thanks!,

[@GardenerScott]

They should be okay for that time. Trim the leaves after digging them up, brush off loose soil, put in a box wrapped in newspaper, keep them cool and dry. Plant as soon as you can.

[@stephenluna7932]

another Q: the foliage is starting to grow tall after trimming it down. Should I let it grow or keep trimming it?

[@GardenerScott]

Let it grow. It will help gather energy for the roots.

[@rickam4]

Hi Gardner Scott, i am hoping to take some rhizomes from a friend and plant them in my garden. I'm in Northern Colorado (5b). Is this time of year-- mid August-- a good time to dig them out? Also, how will they do in a heavier clay soil?

[@GardenerScott]

Irises are easy to grow and can do well in clay soil. August and September can be a good time to plant.

[@villagesteader3552]

Will dividing them help make them bloom more. My Mom’s garden has a few clumps of black iris and this is our third year caring for her garden. We have been getting less bloom every year but they look healthy, and beautiful. This year I thought they would be great because our tulips and daffodils had a great showing this spring. Sadly the iris are less than last year or the previous years. Should I divide them???? 👍♥️🙏🇺🇸🤓

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, dividing should help. Old undivided Irises often have fewer blooms.

[@villagesteader3552]

@@GardenerScott thank you, you ease my mind on many levels.

[@stevenhoekman5351]

Love the iris video. Do the rhizomes need to be watered regularly? I've heard that they can rot if over watered.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. They do need regular watering but can handle dry conditions. Over watering is a serious problem because that can rot.

[@stevenhoekman5351]

thank you very much

[@fayeray2092]

How do you keep them before you replant?

[@GardenerScott]

I usually replant soon after dividing, which is the best option. To keep them longer, store in a cool, dark, dry location after allowing them to dry completely. Good air circulation is important. Wrap them individually in newspaper and keep them from touching each other or getting wet. If any start to brown and dry out you can mist them lightly, but they should stay as dry as possible. Inspect regularly and discard any mushy rhizomes. They should last for months until you plant them.

[@Silverserri]

Is October too late to transplant irises? I live where it snows in the winter, can the iris establish itself before the snow falls? ( about a month). Maybe I should wait for spring ?😊

[@GardenerScott]

It might be too late. Late summer is a good time to plan for it.

[@Missbhaven1]

I’m in the same boat. Any tips for preventing heaving over freeze-thaw periods?? This is my first year growing iris rhizomes. Thanks in advance!

[@tmoo2251]

What air temperature is best for transplanting irises?

[@GardenerScott]

There isn't a specific air temperature that's best, but avoiding the heat of mid-day summer sun is a good idea.

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

Well done. Very easy to follow steps. No fertilizer at time of planting or soil amendment??

[@GardenerScott]

I don't do anything extra, but bone meal or a 5-10-10 fertilizer can be used in deficient soils.

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

@@GardenerScott thanks!

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

One more question here in zone 6 my iris have quit blooming two weeks ago . I’d live to move a clump now but should I wait longer ? Would it really affect them that much 🤔🥴☺️?

[@GardenerScott]

You can move them now. They usually transplant better in August or September.

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

@@GardenerScott thanks I’m on it today💃🏻

[@darlenetomes4774]

What is the blue bush behind the irises

[@GardenerScott]

It's a Blue Mist Spirea.

[@fyt00000]

In storing Irises for a time-newspaper wrapping is suggested-however newspaper is hard to find these days-what can be used in place of newspaper? Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

Many gardeners use dry sawdust or straw.

[@fyt00000]

@@GardenerScott Cool-thanks so much!

[@JS-jl1yj]

After about 10 years, after watching many tutorials how to do it, I dug out all my irises, because they were way too crowded. I discarded all rhizomes that had already bloomed as per the tutorials. I gave away many good rhizomes to friends and quickly re-planted the rest in the same flowerbed that they came from, where they did extremely well for those 10 years. This was 2 years ago. The replanted rhizomes had healthy leaves but never bloomed again. BTW, I checked with my friends and their re-plants are not blooming either. Is there any chance that they might start blooming this Spring? Or should I just dig them out and plant some other perennial flowers in that bed?

[@GardenerScott]

They may take a few years to bloom after dividing and replanting. There is a good chance they could bloom this year. I wouldn't dig them out unless you want other flowers in that space.

[@JS-jl1yj]

@@GardenerScott Okay. I will give them one more chance. One of the problems may be that the rhizomes are not poking out of the soil. Before I dug them out to divide them, they used to be very exposed. They were literally crawling over each other above the ground. It was a tangled mess. But they seemed to be a lot happier than they are now, when they are spaced out. I am thinking that they like to dry out in between the watering or rain. Do you think that I should try gently scraping off some of the soil that is covering them? I should not have much trouble locating the rhizomes, since I have planted them in straight rows and they are all pointing in one direction. The tutoring video was suggesting this in order to have all flowers facing my path instead of the neighbour's.

[@aquariumly]

Can one store divisions? If so, how?

[@GardenerScott]

They can. Leave the soil on them and allow to dry for a couple days, then brush off loose soil. Place in a dark, cool dry, location (less than 70) for about two weeks to dry some more. Wrap in newspaper or nestle in a box with bark or straw and store in a cool spot (less than 50) with air circulation. In a bag with holes, in the refrigerator, will also work. Check often for rotting. They can last through the winter, but if they get too dry, you might want to pot them up.

[@DenaHamilton]

I have some irises that I split that are a year old already and it’s cold now. Do I have to throw them away?

[@GardenerScott]

You don't have to if you want to see if some of them might still be alive. You should try to plant them as soon as you can. They might survive if you protect them again over the winter.

[@DenaHamilton]

@@GardenerScott thank you!

[@jeshanahram264]

I just replanted mine the other day and they're browning a bit... normal or do I need to do something different??

[@GardenerScott]

It's normal for the leaves to brown around the edges when transplanting. You may want to shade them if possible so they aren't exposed to harsh summer sun.

[@jeshanahram264]

@@GardenerScott thank you for the response. I watched several videos before I divided and transplanted mine and yours was the best. Appreciate it.

[@louieevaro7111]

How long will iris last before planting i have some to plant it is the end of February Can I wait until July August To plant Wait for your comments Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

If you can store them in a cool dry location, but ensure the rhizomes don't dry out, you may be able to wait. It may be better to get them in the ground sooner if they get too dry.

[@pattyburnett2353]

Once I transplant bearded irises, how often should I water them? How do they react to compost and epsom salt water?

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on your weather, heat and humidity, but irises don't require any more water than other garden plants. A little compost in the soil at planting is okay but they won't require additional fertilizer.

[@pattyburnett2353]

@@GardenerScott thank you so much!!! They are hardy and strong plants!

[@aliceschaaf5995]

Do you ever TRIM the roots?

[@GardenerScott]

I trim damaged roots and very long ones before planting.

[@user-sb5gt6zl6o]

Why were my iris leaves so huge?

[@GardenerScott]

It could be the variety.

[@elainieg]

I live in Ottawa, Ont. Canada, so I would cut back the leaves in Oct?

[@GardenerScott]

That sounds about right. You want to wait until after the first hard frost so leaves can absorb energy for the longest possible time.

[@elainieg]

@@GardenerScott thank you.

[@charlescoker7752]

No fertilizer needed?

[@GardenerScott]

If you have healthy soil they probably won't need any. Amending the soil at planting and using organic mulches can reduce the need for fertilizer.

[@charlescoker7752]

@@GardenerScott Thanks.