As iris rhizomes spread, they can become crowded.
Don’t try dividing while a bearded iris is in bloom.
Divide plants frequently to prevent invasion.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The old center section, which is usually quite woody without any remaining roots, should be discarded.
If you wish, divide the clumps into sections with a knife or sharp pruners.
It is possible to propagate dozens of individual plants from a single clump of iris.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Trim away these sections of rhizome using a sharp knife or pruner until you reach solid white fleshy tissue.
Don’t be surprised if you cut into a borer worm, possibly still living.
A common mistake is toplant iris too deep.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Pack new soil around the iris, and then water thoroughly.
The first sign is usually a single new-growth leaf appearing in the center of the rhizome.
After the first hard freeze,cut back the iris foliageto the soil level and discard the foliage.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
