I have a huge clump of shakers prayer and I am not sure how / when to divide it. Should I soak it first and keep it wet?

divide it now or wait until Aug.

@caitlinsgarden

I had never heard of dividing this early. I believe the commercial gardens all ship in late August or September. As far as keeping the clump wet, Siberians do want more moisture than bearded, but the time you really want to give more water is before bloom. I wouldn't keep them wet but do water more. You might either use Google for tips for Siberian Iris or go to the American Iris Society website.

Or............ you could take Lucy's word for it. She knows what she's talking about!!

But Lucy didn't comment on keeping the clump wet.

Joe Pye Weed has finished their april shipping & now will not start again until aug. they divide during their dormant season.

Not constant wet, but water well before bloom. However I don't know about western drought conditions.

Thank you for your comments. My biggest problem though, is how to divide a big solid mass of roots? LOL!

Siberians are like that. 2 people one on either side of the clump with a fork is the way they do it at Joe Pye Weed.

But I am only one person! Can I cut off clumps of roots with a knife and then put my fork underneath and lift up?

whatever works. they are toughies.

I have planted some bare root, sparse divisions in the past and they took years to grow. I suppose a healthy cut of clump would grow much quicker?

My question about Siberians is do you need to cut the stalks off after blooming like you do with TBs? I find they are really hard to divide since the roots are so tough. Wish TBs were that hardy!

It is a good idea to cut the stalks. they are hollow & in this area attractive to the orthachita fly. Computer tells me that is spelled wrong, but I bet that doesn't know how to spell it either.

lol Lucy -- you crack me up!!!