Dividing iris rhizomes is an essential practice to maintain the health and vigor of the plants while also providing an opportunity to propagate new iris plants. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to divide iris rhizomes:
Timing: The best time to divide irises is typically a few weeks after they finish flowering, which is usually in late summer or early autumn. This allows the plants to recover and establish new roots before the onset of winter.
Prepare the tools: Gather the necessary tools, including a sharp garden knife or spade, gardening gloves, and a clean container or a tarp to place the divided rhizomes.
Lift the iris clump: Carefully dig up the entire iris clump using a garden fork or spade, ensuring you don't damage the rhizomes. Lift the clump out of the ground, gently shaking off excess soil.
Inspect the rhizomes: Examine the rhizomes for any signs of disease, damage, or rot. Discard any rhizomes that appear unhealthy.
Rhizome selection: Choose the healthiest, largest, and most robust rhizomes for replanting. These are the ones that will likely produce the best blooms.
Dividing the rhizomes: Using a sharp garden knife or spade, divide the selected rhizomes into smaller sections. Each section should have a fan of leaves attached and a portion of the rhizome. Aim for three to five healthy fan sections per divided rhizome.
Trimming the leaves: Trim the leaves of each divided fan section to about one-third of their original length. This helps reduce water loss and stress on the newly divided plants.
Preparing for replanting: Trim any damaged or excessively long roots from the divided rhizomes. This encourages the growth of new roots.
Replanting: Choose a new planting location or prepare the existing iris bed by loosening the soil and adding compost or well-rotted manure for improved fertility. Dig a shallow hole wide enough to accommodate the rhizome and its roots, leaving the top of the rhizome exposed.
Planting depth: Place each divided rhizome in the hole, spreading out the roots. The rhizome should be partially exposed above the soil surface, with the top just peeking out. Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the rhizome.
Watering: After planting, water the newly divided iris plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the following weeks, continue to water regularly to promote root establishment.
Post-division care: Provide adequate sunlight and regular watering during the first growing season to help the newly divided irises establish. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
Dividing iris rhizomes every three to four years or when the clumps become crowded ensures healthier plants and abundant blooms. With proper care and division, you can enjoy a vibrant iris garden for years to come.
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