How to Divide Iris

Member

By razzberry-jam
User-Submitted Video

Purple Iris

It's August and it's time to divide your iris.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

My mother always divided her iris in August, so that's when I do it.
Step 2

It's pretty easy, I just get my shovel out and starting at the edge of the clump, I push the shovel down and under the clump, then push up.
Step 3

The iris come up attached to each other. So I sit down and divide the first shovel full. Each section the rhizome should have a bit of foliage. I take my scissors and trim the leaves in a fan shape, leaving about 3 or 4 inches of leaves.
Step 4

Then I drop it into the bucket.
Step 5

Continue until you separated the entire clump.
Step 6

Once I've separated the clumps, I just replant the iris along the edges of walkways and in my flower beds.

I usually have more than I need, so I share with friends and family.

Craigslist gardeners and Freecycle members appreciate extra iris rhizomes too.

Tips & Warnings

As long as there's a little root and leaf on each rhizome, you can plant it.
Don't plant your iris in the lowest spot in the garden, they prefer good drainage.
Share the love. People will happily take your extras home.
There aren't really any pests here in California, but in other parts of the country there are issues with leaf borers. See the link in Resources for more information on iris and pests.

Resources