Dividing Louisiana Iris

Factual Commentaries

Text Box: It is best to divide and replant Louisiana Iris from late summer to early fall, that way there should be enough time before winter for them to get established. Be sure that there will be at least 6 weeks prior to your first frost. Be aware all this applies provided you are in zone 5 and above, they may not make it through winter in zones 4 and below. We have given examples of dividing and replanting if you are going to be over wintering in the pond. And we have also given an example of how to over winter them outside of the pond for planting in the spring. The benefit of dividing and replanting in the fall is that the iris will have a better chance to bloom in the spring. If you wait until spring to plant they may not bloom until the following year. We do not recommend dividing the iris in the heat of summer, because iris can get stressed and may not survive being divided and replanted at that time of year.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: Before I started dividing these Black Gamecock Louisiana Iris I took a garden hose and hosed some of the dirt off the surface of the pot they are planted in.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: You should use a sharp knife to cut them apart. Cut them as close as possible, to the joint of the section where they are attached. Leave as much of the rhizome as possible, the reason being is that it will help get the plant going quicker, since the rhizome stores nutrition to get it started again.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: After I divided the iris in this pot I ended up with 6 plants.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: It is best to wet the soil thoroughly before planting your divided iris. Place the rhizome butted up against the side of the pot at an angle.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: Push the rhizome and the roots down into the soil, don’t bury the rhizome too deep, as it will travel across the pot.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: This is what the iris should look like when you are done planting.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: If you are not able to leave your iris in the pond over winter we recommend after you divide the iris, then cut off all the roots. The reason for this is that you want the iris to go into a dormant stage and stay dormant. The leaves will get brown, this is normal.

Rounded Rectangular Callout: You may cut the leave back further if you wish to fit the baggie you will be putting the iris in. Place the iris in a gallon freezer bag, with damp peat moss. Freezer bags are best cause they are thicker and I stress the word damp, if the peat moss is to wet it will rot the rhizome. Place the baggie in a cool dark place where they won’t freeze. Check periodically to be sure they aren’t getting moldy or rotten. If the rhizome gets moldy wash off the mold and air dry, then place back into the baggie with the damp peat moss. You can remoisten the peat moss if necessary. In the spring as soon as chance of freeze is over, repot and place in the pond.