Bearded Iris

They need to be planted in late summer or early fall. The Iris like a sunny spot with at least six hours of full sun to help to keep the rhizomes dry. They grow best in a neutral soil and only need granular fertilizer a couple times a year. The best times to feed them is in the early spring and after they bloom. It's best to plant them about 16-18 inches apart for good air circulation. They do not need mulching because constant moisture will rot the rhizomes. To preserve the energy of the plant, remove the seed pod that forms after they have bloomed. To ensure a healthier plant, prune back the foliage in the fall.

It should be divided every three to four years if they are thickly clustered. Dividing should be done in late summer. Rhizomes, their root structure, can die off as new ones form to cause crowding and slow the blooms from forming. Dividing them will give the plants new ground for growth.

To divide Bearded Iris, use a garden spade or fork, carefully lifting them out of the soil trying to avoid damaging the rhizomes. Slowly pull the plants apart using your hands while examining them for dead or damaged rhizomes. Use a knife to separate baby rhizomes from the parent, making sure the knife has been sanitized with ten percent bleach water between cuts. Discard any damaged or diseased plant parts. Replant, fanning the roots, and leaving a portion of the rhizome exposed. Put the plants about 12 to 18 inches separated, clipping the tops down to 4-6 inches.