· When well cared for, iris plants will need divided on a regular basis. Learn how to do it right here. · Bearded irises are one of the showiest flowers in the spring garden, and they are also one of the easiest to propagate and transplant. Learn how to read the signs when bearded iris should be divided and transplanted and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Learn when and how to divide bearded and Siberian irises to maintain healthy, blooming plants plus tips for best growing conditions for both iris varieties. To prevent iris overcrowding and declining flower production, schedule root division for every three or four years. The best time to divide and transplant is after they’ve finished flowering, when plants go dormant in summer. To lift and divide, wait six to eight weeks after flowering, or plan to do it from midsummer until early fall. Cut back any ...See full list on gardenerspath.comStart by using a garden fork or spade to loosen and lift clumps. Insert the fork fully into the soil along the dripline, or three to four inches outside of the visible rhizomes. Loosen the soil all the way around. Lift out the entire mass if possible. If the clump can’t be lifted in one piece, use a clean, sharp spade or garden knifeto cut the clum...See full list on gardenerspath.comWith a soft bristle brush, remove as much dirt as possible from the rhizomes and roots, taking care to leave the roots intact. Cleaning makes it easier to see where to divide and to inspect for possible pests. Trim and discard any large pieces that don’t have an attached leaf fan, including the center of clumps. Also discard the older ends of rhizo...See full list on gardenerspath.comBefore replanting, trim the leaf fans back to a height of six to 10 inches. This allows plants to focus their energy into establishing healthy roots and away from supporting a full display of foliage. Also, a full fan can catch more wind, shifting rhizomes before the roots are established – trimming the fan helps to prevent wind rock.See full list on gardenerspath.comTo produce flowers, each section of rhizome must have an attached leaf fan. Using a clean garden knife or scissors, cut rhizomes into pieces about three to four inches long with at least one intact fan. Do not remove the roots. To prevent bacterial infection, dust the cut ends with a powdered fungicide such as garden sulfur.See full list on gardenerspath.comIrises do best in a full sun location with rich, well-draining soil and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.0. Here are the planting steps: 1. Loosen the soil with a garden fork to a depth of 12 to 16 inches. 1. If needed, mix in a shovelful or two of landscape sand or pea gravel to improve drainage. 1. Mix two to four inches of compost or ...See full list on gardenerspath.comDwarf and miniature varieties are a good choice for containers as well. Ensure containers have drainage holes and add a layer of material such as broken pottery or pebbles to the bottom of pots to assist with draining the soil. Fill containers with a light humus-rich soil and plant as outlined above, keeping the rhizome tops exposed to the sun. Wat...See full list on gardenerspath.comJul 22, 2025 · Learn the best time to transplantirises for healthy blooms! Discover step-by-step instructions, ideal conditions, and expert tips for successful irisdivision and replanting. View allJul 25, 2025 · Late summer to early fall is the perfect time to dig up your iris clumps, separate the healthy pieces, and replant them either in your garden beds or containers. Whether you’re refreshing an existing bed or sharing extras with a friend, splittingirises is a satisfying task that pays off beautifully in spring. · Gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the correct way to split up your irises. From the delicate dwarf crested to the spectacular bearded, irises are charming and fanciful. · Learn the best time to transplantirises for healthy blooms! Discover step-by-step instructions, ideal conditions, and expert tips for successful irisdivision and replanting. · Late summer to early fall is the perfect time to dig up your iris clumps, separate the healthy pieces, and replant them either in your garden beds or containers. Whether you’re refreshing an existing bed or sharing extras with a friend, splittingirises is a satisfying task that pays off beautifully in spring. · Gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the correct way to split up your irises. From the delicate dwarf crested to the spectacular bearded, irises are charming and fanciful.