- The bearded iris is the most common variety of iris and grows a horizontal tube root structure called a rhizome. The rhizomes can be transplanted any time after flowering through the fall season. If a spring flower is desired the following year, it is best to transplant no sooner than late August. Plants that are moved too early disrupt the natural growing cycle and will stunt the growth. Healthy transplants will flower less the first year, but after two years will produce more blooms. The iris grows in clumps and will produce fewer flowers when compacted. This is a sign the plants need to be divided.
- Cut the leaves in early fall to approximately 2 to 6 inches in height. Using a shovel, break through the soil and rhizomes to a section of plant to be moved. If the entire plant will be transplanted, dig it out and place on the ground. Break apart the horizontal rhizomes in clumps to be replanted. In the new location, dig a hole wide enough for the transplant and a depth that will leave approximately 2 inches of dirt on the top. New groups of iris should be spaced 4 feet apart as iris spread and crowding will occur in approximately three to four years.
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Discard plants and rhizomes that look diseased to prevent spreading. If diseased rhizomes have bore holes, dust with the Sevin brand of insecticide before planting.
Mulch iris plants in winter if a snow cover is not available. This will insulate the plants during the cold winter.
The most common bearded iris color is purple; however there are varieties that are light purple, white and yellow. If the colors are mixed together, during blooming mark the leaves with a letter to make transplanting easier.
