Whats the best way to move iris?

I have some iris that is currently growing in a mixed border, (around the house, and front deck). Needless to say they need to be moved to there own garden! i got these from a neigbor about 2 yrs ago, and when replanting, i did in a sord of line layout. if that makes any since. i would much rather have them in bunches, or clumps, so to speak, each clump, spread at least app. 8-10 inches apart, because, i like to mulch, i love the clean look it gives. (and last year that was impossible, due to them being so crowed together, i couldint get much in between all the leaves.) so do you think this would work, and how long do you think it would take before there new home, is just as packed? ( i know they will have to divided every few yrs., but do you think i would get this look that long?

Whats the best way to move iris?
Iris need to be divided every 3-5 years anyway, as this will encourage more flowers.Late summer to autumn (Fall) is the time to do it. Iris spread by the means of underground stems called rhizomes. When these become crowded you get reduced flowering.


Dig round the circumference of the clump using a spade then lift the spade under and up to lift. You wont have to dig too deeply as they are shallow rooted.Then remove outward growing rhizomes by using a sharp clean knife. You can trim the roots slightly to encourage new fresh root growth.Also trim off the top of the leaves leaving about 4 inches.


Don't replant any large inner pieces as they are the older rhizomes and won't flower.


Finally, dont plant too deeply as this will also stop them from flowering. Plant them so you can see the tops of the rhizomes. I wouldn't recommend covering with mulch as this is in effect burying them deeper than they should be.


You'll get flowers in the first year and it will take about 3 years for it to look 'packed'
Reply:I always move my Iris in the fall. Cut the plants down almost to ground level in a fan shape and dig the rhizomes with a spading fork. Snip off any growth that appears weak or sickly and remove any dead, damaged or diseased looking rhizomes. Plant them in their new home. It takes a couple or three growing seasons for them to fill in.
Reply:The irises needed to be moved last fall. If you want to do them now, you may lose the blooms for this year.


One thing about irises, the new shoots bloom. The old ones (the ones in the middle) do not bloom, so when you break off a shoot to give to a friend, she gets the bloom, you get leaves.


I would go for what you want. So what if you have to do it again in a couple years. That's what gardening is all about.
Reply:one iris at a time
Reply:Iris can be pulled up pretty easily, they shouldn't be buried deeply, they won't bloom vigorously the first year they are moved though, you can supplement the soil with a bulb booster even though they aren't true bulbs, to help the next year.
Reply:iris are best if moved in june/july right after they flower


they hate mulch it increases diseases and if you must muclh use a thin layer of river rock or small gravel.


if you must move them now don't disturb the way they are growing and try to preserve as many roots as possible.


if you need more tips let me know- we are swimming in iris here.

flower