How do you cut back iris plants after they bloom? When is the best time to do that?

After my iris plants bloomed earlier in the season, the wilted blooms stayed on the plant, how do I cut the bloom back once it has blossomed.

How do you cut back iris plants after they bloom? When is the best time to do that?
You should cut them back right after they finish blooming . Onlt cut back the stem that the flowers were on , unless you have any tattered


or dead leaves ...
Reply:Once an iris is done blooming, it's a good idea to cut it back to within a few inches of the bulb. That's the green spiky part and the stem that held the flower both! I live in the north, and do mine in the fall, not spring.





I use a large pair of scissors or garden shears when I do mine.
Reply:cut back in early spring. If you have a nice looking leaf, I see no reason to cut back before it goes brown.
Reply:I have Japanese iris and I just let the green stay through the fall, die in winter, and I cut back in early spring. If you have a nice looking leaf, I see no reason to cut back before it goes brown.





When you do cut back, just use electric or hand hedge shears and take it down to just above ground level.
Reply:Most bulbs should not be cut back. You need to let the leaves nourish the bulb for the next time it blooms, After the leaves turn brown they just fall off. Since this can look unsightly I braid my day lily leaves and let them turn brown. I don't know if this would work with Iris leaves.
Reply:Sorry , no answer, but I'm glad you asked, Id like to know.
Reply:Wait .... when the beautiful flower is gone, they're done for the year. 2 Things you can do... cut them down to about 1 to 2 inches from the ground, or dig up the bulbs, cut them in half to increase your amount for spring and dry them over the winter in the garage or someplace on screen or a surface that won't hold water. Plant them after May 15th and watch 'em go!