How to Control an African Iris

Afircan irises grow quickly and return every year.

Reaching heights of up to 4 feet, African irises feature sword-shaped leaves with a leathery feel. There are two blooms on the African iris -- a large gold and white bloom on the bottom and a smaller lavender bloom in the middle. Irises grow from a bulb and send rhizomes into the ground. Controlling the African irises can be a bit difficult. If all traces of the rhizomes are not removed, the irises will continue to grow.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shovel or garden spade
• Garbage bag
• Small, hand-held garden shovel

Instructions

1. Locate the rhizomes by following the unwanted irises’ stalk to the ground. The rhizomes will grow just below or just above the surface soil.

2. Place the edge of a garden shovel or spade 3 inches from the African iris stalk. Place a foot on the back of the shovel or spade and apply pressure to insert the edge of the shovel into the soil.

3. Lift the flower, including the bulb and rhizomes. out of the ground and dispose of in a garbage bag.

4. Remove lingering rhizomes from the soil where the African iris was, using a small, hand-held garden shovel. Place the lingering rhizomes into a garbage bag.

5. Repeat the entire process until all of the unwanted African irises have been removed..

Tips & Warnings

• Offer the African irises to friends or family members free if they will dig the plants up themselves.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Services: Growing Iris