Barbalee said:Ummm...newbie to irises asking... Why do you cut back the fans in the fall? When?
Barbalee:
Just keep in mind that trimming irises is for the most part a personal preference, usually an aesthetic one. It is not a health-related practice except when digging and dividing, when the trimming of leaves is a stress reduction measure for the newly planted divisions.
Here is a good bit of advice from Long's Gardens:
"There is no need to trim iris leaves back except when transplanting. Brown leaves may be trimmed off and the area around the plants kept as weed-free as possible. Aphids may develop on iris leaves under certain conditions in the field or waiting for transplant. Simply wipe them off or use a gentle detergent spray to remove them.
It is a good idea to remove the bloom stalks after the flowers have faded. This prevents a seed pod from forming. If the bees have successfully pollinated the iris, you will notice a watermelon shaped seed pod just below the faded bloom a few weeks later. If this pod ripens, and the seed subsequently germinate, the resulting plant will most likely be very different from the beautiful parent. In this case, you have just become a reluctant hybridizer. Removing the bloom stalk prevents this and lets the plant build up strength for next year instead of using the energy to develop seeds. You may break off the stalks by hand or cut them off just above the rhizome."
You can read more if you type www before 'longsgardens.com/growing-tips.htm'
I hope this helps.
Rick
