I have 2 huge clumps of siberian iris that have grown in the same spot for years. Short of taking a chopping axe how do you guys divide them? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Teresa

I don't grow SIBS so I don't know how to divide them. I wonder if they would do well in my zone.

I have been told that 2 people, each on one side of the clump with a garden fork can be a useful solution.

That's what i would have suggested too Lucy.. If that doesn't work , get out the hatchet.

Yes, I think a hatchet might be safer than an axe lol. I wonder why the roots are so tough and entwined?

I just dig them up[, and pull them apart. If you're pretty strong that works just fine.

I take a shovel full and hose it down. Wait a few minutes and start pulling hard. Wet roots pull apart way easier than dry ones.

My son put a clump in a bucket of water and forgot them. A few days later when I got to them, they were sad. I lost most of that clump - unless they surprise me next Spring. So hosing and waiting 3 minutes before one pulls them apart is better. If some break off unceremoniously, just plant the broken pieces. Sibs are tough.

Sibs are for sure tough, except for the $50.00 ones, LOL

I forgot to say I have a bucket of water and swish the roots in it to get the dirt off before dividing. It's a dirty job, so be prepared.

I divide them into 6 fans each, normally, then replant, with some amendments.

Ours have not been divided for so long, they can all grow together.

I have a couple of clumps that are larger than a bushel basket! They are stunning when they bloom tho. I did notice in the center of one they are beginning to die in the center. A sure sign they need to be divided.

Yup.

Ditto what Mary Ann said. Have fun. But I've found if dying off in the center, it's easier to divide.

Lucy, get your husband out there dividing. LOL

I cannot see my DH ever dividing or planting anything lol. My son will, plus his upper body strength makes it look easy!

I have to take Tylenol before much yard work because I know I am going to pay for it soon after. My hands are the worst

For pain and stiffness; turmeric, paprika, ginger and cardamom in a cup of regular tea with a spoon of raw honey usually allows me to over work. Recently, I have had severe muscle pain. Doh! What do I tell my clients and my grandson who gets leg pain? Magnesium! I like magnesium maleate 833 mg. Ha! Pretty good today - gonna go pull out some 100 year old baseboards.