when to separate iris's

[jc]

I live in Phila, PA area. When do I dig up and separate my iris's? Could someone please direct me to a site on the web that gives instructions for how to do this. Thanks.

John Clarke

[Dwayne]

John, I do it anytime after they quit blooming. The earlier you do it, the better chance you have of getting blooms the following summer, otherwise I have found that it takes mine two years.

One trick I have tried and found that it works, is to take the shovel blade and put it in the center of the clump of risones, and cut it in half. I leave half undisturbed and take out the other half and separate it. That way I still get blooms the following year.

Dwayne

[David Ross]

If they're bearded iris, do it when fresh rhizomes are in stock at your local nurseries. The time to divide them is the same as the time to plant new iris.