06/02/2026
Reminder for those who are a little new to the obsession of irises:
Once your irises are done blooming, there are a few things to do to keep your irises strong and healthy:
1. Cut the stalks off all the way down to the top of the rhizome. Use clean snippers or scissors, and cut at an angle so water can slide off to prevent rot. Yes...you'll end up cutting through the close, surrounding blades but don't worry that's fine. Remove those blades as well (they are just going to die anyway). Cutting the stalks down allows more energy to go to the leaves and then to the daughter rhizomes that are forming for next year's blooms.
2. Remove all dead leaves and debris built up amongst the clump. Either pull them off by hand (if they come off easily) or snip the dying ones (who are a little reluctant to pull) off as low as you can...and at an angle again. Irises need to 'breathe'...air circulation helps prevent rot.
(Using mulch? Not a good idea because it can retain unwanted moisture that can lead to rot. If you insist on using mulch, keep it brushed AWAY from the iris base by at least 6 inches).
**If you experience heavy rains, check to make sure debris hasn't built back up amongst your irises.
**trimming the healthy leaves should be done during early Fall, so leave them alone until then.
Dividing and transplanting can be done at anytime EXCEPT for when they are dormant (aka winter/aka not growing).
There are mixed ideas as to when to dig, divide, sell, or transplant..and it's a learning curve as to what works best for you, your timing, the people who may purchase from you, and your area (zone).
