Performing Division and Transplantation of Iris Plants
In the world of perennials, few plants captivate gardeners quite like irises. Two popular varieties, Bearded and Siberian irises, offer a splash of colour and vibrancy to any garden. Here's a guide on how to care for these beautiful blooms.
Bearded irises, known for their long bloom period in spring and diverse array of colours, thrive best in full sun and well-drained soil. They are exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making them a popular choice for home landscapes.
Division is key to maintaining healthy Bearded irises. The optimal time to divide them is during their dormancy, typically in July or August, to reduce the risk of bacterial disease. However, they can also be divided immediately after flowering, in early fall or late April, although summer is preferred. To divide, dig out the entire clump, remove older, less healthy pieces, and separate the rhizomes into sections roughly the size of a small dinner plate with healthy growth. Replant so the rhizome tops are just above the soil surface. Dividing every 3 to 5 years prevents overcrowding and encourages good blooming.
On the other hand, Siberian irises bloom later and provide floral succession when planted with Bearded and Japanese irises. These irises prefer cooler conditions and can grow and bloom best in full to part sun. They thrive in moist but well-drained soil and are a great alternative to Bearded irises in areas with heavy soils or poor drainage. Division is best done in fall or early spring, helping to avoid overcrowding and maintain flowering.
Both types of iris require similar care tips. After bloom, cut back spent flower stalks but keep leaves until they yellow to feed the rhizomes. Mulch around plants to suppress weeds but keep mulch away from rhizomes to prevent rot. Water deeply but infrequently, especially for Bearded iris, to maintain health and reduce disease.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure both types of iris thrive, bloom well, and maintain vigor over the years. Happy gardening!
[1] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Bearded Iris. [online] Available at: https://www.almanac.com/plant/bearded-iris [Accessed 20 May 2021].
[3] Fine Gardening. (2021). Iris Care: How to Grow Irises. [online] Available at: https://www.finegardening.com/iris-care-how-to-grow-irises [Accessed 20 May 2021].
[4] The Spruce. (2021). Siberian Iris Care: How to Grow Siberian Irises. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/siberian-iris-care-1398021 [Accessed 20 May 2021].
[5] Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Iris. [online] Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=i001 [Accessed 20 May 2021].
- To ensure the long-term health and vibrant blooming of Bearded irises, it's crucial to follow a proper care routine, such as placing them in full sun and well-drained soil, and dividing them every 3 to 5 years during their dormancy.
- Siberian irises are an excellent alternative to Bearded irises, particularly in regions with heavy soils or poor drainage, as they thrive in moist but well-drained soil and bloom best in cooler conditions.
- Maintaining a healthy landscape and garden involves not only choosing the right plants but also providing proper care, including watering deeply but infrequently, mulching around plants, and cutting back spent flower stalks while keeping leaves until they yellow.
- Each type of iris — Bearded and Siberian — requires similar care tips, such as providing such diverse conditions as full sun for Bearded irises and part sun for Siberian irises, and ensuring good drainage for both varieties to minimize the risk of disease and promote healthy growth.
