How and When to Propagate, Divide and Plant Bearded Iris

Bearded Iris are very easy to divide and plant. Dividing them is a great way of propagation and it will improve flowering. You can grow them in the ground, or in a container.

The ideal time is late summer to fall /autumn after flowering, try for 6 - 8 weeks after flowering. You can divide at other times however it will usually disrupt flowering for a season if you divide in spring or winter.

Step by Step

1. Iris should be divided every 4 - 5 years. This prevents congestion, die back and promotes better flowering.

2. Dig the clumps with a garden fork.

3. Divide the clump so you have a rhizome and one fan of foliage on each division, retaining as many roots as possible.

4. Cut the fan back to around 6 inches (15 cm). This helps with transpiration and tidy up the old foliage as well.

5. If you are dividing different varieties, you may wish to mark them for indentification.

6. Replenish the soil with compost and some fertiliser, mixed well through the soil.

7. Plant the rhizomes at around 12 inches (30cm) apart. Just cover the roots and the lower 1/3 of the rhizome.

8. Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser

9. Do not mulch..

Planting depth is important and this will depend a little on your climate. In general the top of the rhizome need to be exposed, or very close to the surface.

High nitrogen fertilisers are not recommended and Bearded Iris need to be planted in a position where they receive at least 6 hours sun day.

They grow well in the ground, and can also be grown in containers or pots.

The best time to divide bearded iris is immediately after flowering or in late autumn to winter. In colder climates they may need protection from very heavy frosts over winter

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