Home > Projects >

How to Divide Early Summer-Flowering Iris

You will need: Fork, Secateurs

There are two main reasons to divide early summer-flowering iris, like Iris germanica: either you want to make more plants and spread them around the garden or you notice that, as they spread, the middle of the clump dies off as it becomes congested. Dividing the clump gives the plants more room to grow and the old, unproductive centre can be discarded.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Start by lifting the plants with a fork.

Step 2

Wash the roots so you can see where you are working, then identify where the clump can be separated. Each new plant needs a shoot and a portion of the rhizome (underground stem) complete with roots.

Step 3

In order to reduce the stress on the Iris when you plant it, reduce the leaves by two-thirds in a fan shape, using clean, sharp secateurs.

Step 4

Plant the new pieces of Iris with the rhizome on, or only just below, the surface of the soil. This is because the plant will not flower if the rhizome fails to get receive enough sunlight in summer. Water well to settle the plants into the soil again.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Essential Gardening Jobs for Early Spring

Future of Original Bramley Apple Tree in Jeopardy

A winter garden of delights at Blenheim Palace

How everyday people are creating their own woodlands from scratch

Gardening Projects for March

---

How to Prune

How to prick off

How to grow Gladioli

How to grow cucumbers

Latest Gardening Videos

---

Weed Control Using Mulch

How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?

Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley

Potting Cacti

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons

Removing a Tree

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa

Pukekura Park
New Plymouth, New Zealand

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Pamplemousses, Mauritius

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom