Dividing Iris in the Irises forum

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Petronius

Mar 11, 2019 5:24 PM CST

Conneaut, Ohio

When is the correct time to dig and divide Irises?

| Quote | Post #1925760 (1)

katesflowers

Mar 11, 2019 6:42 PM CST

Name: kathy
Michigan (Zone 4b)
near St. Clair MI

I've divided mine in mid to late summer with success. Gives them time to settle in before winter sets in
But, I have also taken an off shoot in Spring without a problem.

"Things won are done, joy's soul lies in the doing." Shakespeare

| Quote | Post #1925836 (2)

UndyingLight

Mar 12, 2019 12:27 PM CST

Name: Monty Riggles
Henry County, Virginia (Zone 7b)
Do you ever wonder if you have too

I've transplanted irises in all kinds of month. Some even in January or right before bloom. The recommended time is around August when everything is going to become cooler. But I have planted as late as November and as early as January, and they seem to grow fine.

By the way, welcome to the iris forums!

TB 'Starting Fresh' blooming for me in May of 2022. It bloomed for a week and a half with nine buds.

| Quote | Post #1926270 (3)

evelyninthegarden

Mar 12, 2019 1:51 PM CST

Name: Evelyn
Sierra foothills, Northern CA (Zone 8a)

Petronius ~

to the Iris Forum!

If I lived in Ohio I would follow the same procedure that those in your area do. I am thinking that no later than late summer, in order for them to get established before winter weather arrives, but I will let others more knowledgeable chime in.

"Luck favors the prepared mind." - Thomas Jefferson

| Quote | Post #1926340 (4)

iciris

Mar 12, 2019 6:13 PM CST

Northern CA (Zone 9a)

Petronius

• “Whoever said, ‘Do something right and you won’t have to do it again’ never weeded a garden.” – Anonymous

| Quote | Post #1926524 (5)

BlueFlagFan

Mar 12, 2019 6:28 PM CST

Name: Scott
Elburn, IL (Zone 5b)

Welcome to the Iris forum, Petronius!

Here in Illinois, zone 5b, I've divided irises as early as July 4th, and try to be done by the end of August. I've read that irises need to be transplanted at least 6 weeks before frost to allow roots to develop, thus the end of August.

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” --John Muir (1838-1914)

| Quote | Post #1926528 (6)

Lestv

Mar 13, 2019 5:55 PM CST

Name: Leslie
Durham, NC (Zone 8a)

I never divide mine until after bloom time so I don't take away their energy to bloom. So, in my area, anytime between May and September. In your zone bloom probably ends later, so June to August?

"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black

| Quote | Post #1927125 (7)