How to Transplant Irises

Irises are magnificent flowers that can quickly outgrow your flower bed. These hardy plants reproduce by creating new rhizomes that resemble a sweet potato. As they become overcrowded, these rhizomes can be seen above the soil level. Fortunately, Irises are easy to transplant and require very little care.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden hose with sprayer
• Spade or gardening fork
• Knife

1. Dig up the clump of Irises with a spade or garden fork. Do not worry about accidentally cutting into the rhizomes. Not only is it unavoidable, most will continue to grow even after being cut in half.

2. Shake loose soil from the roots. A quick wash with a sprayer from the hose will remove excess dirt and allow you to see the areas where the rhizomes are attached to one another. This is the area where you will cut them apart to create separate plants.

3. Make a clean cut between rhizomes with a sharp knife.

4. Inspect the rhizomes for any signs of disease. Discard any discolored or mushy rhizomes. These "mother" rhizomes will not bloom again and have finished their job of producing young rhizomes.

5. Spread the Iris rhizomes out in a dry shady area for two to three days to allow cuts to heal before transplanting them.

6. Transplant Irises into a new bed that will receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. Plant the rhizome level with, or slightly below, the surface of the soil. Planting Irises too deep will prevent blooms.

7. Water the new Iris bed on a regular basis for the first two or three weeks to give them a good start.

Tips & Warnings

• Irises can be transplanted in the spring before they bloom, but may not blossom the first year.
• The ideal time to transplant Irises is about three weeks after they have bloomed.
• If you choose to transplant Irises in the fall, be sure to do so early enough that they have at least two months to establish a good root system before freezing temperatures arrive.
• Many Irises do not bloom the first year after transplanting. Do not be discouraged if you experience fewer blooms than normal. Give them time to readjust and you will soon be enjoying your new Iris bed.