Hi, I'm new to Iris -- have always wanted a huge iris patch- and I'm on my way. Summer 2016 we bought three different Iris at Hondo Iris Farms in New Mexico (near Ruidoso). Brought them home and planted them (August). Last spring two of them bloomed - 3-4 blooms each. I just left them alone. This spring they are loaded ! So I did some looking on line wondering what I should do with them next ( LOL) - and when I should divide the bulbs, etc. It said after blooming to cut them back to about 6" tall. And 6-8 weeks after bloom divide them -- UNLESS it's in the 90's. Well, it will be in the 90's here in Austin TX area in May. So do I wait for fall ? And, should I really cut the green part back. I didn't last year - and they are fabulous this year. Iris growers - help ? The one with open blooms right now (in picture) is called "Discovered Treasure". You can see I have three patches of Iris (each different kind) mixed in with bluebonnets. Two have tons of buds and should be opening soon and Discovered Treasure is going bonkers !

Welcome to the iris forum, Carol. I live in zone 7A, middle of AR, and I never cut them back. I divide the clump of rhizomes only when they are a big clump. Several weeks after the irises bloom in the spring, and that time is different according to where you live, they have a dormant period. They rest and replenish their energy. That is when i divide and that time is usually in late June. Some other iris growers who live in TX will be able to share their dividing experiences with you.

to the iris forum carol.

Carol,

I cut my bloom stalks off down to the base a couple of weeks to a month after flowering for that variety has ended. I like to make sure I am not cutting off a seed pod and one would have developed by then. I only cut my foliage down when I am transplanting. When the rhizomes look crowded and are growing into each other, I divide them. I don't divide on days of extreme heat.

Welcome Carol!

Nice and healthy irises and I love the rusty butterfly!

After blooming, the irises go through a growth spurt. Then in our hot Summer months (July-Sept.), they are dormant and that is the best time to divide them (On the West coast). It's recommended to divide them every 3-5 years to keep the bloom production at it's peak. If they are getting too crowded, divide them sooner. Most vendors divide them and replant them every year. As for the cutting back the leaves. I only cut off dead leaves, or part of the leaves that have leaf spot. The leaves are producing food (sugar) for the rhizomes, so it's best to leave them alone if they are alive and healthy. Like Bonnie mentioned above, some advice from Texas would suit you better.

Welcome Ecscuba

I hate to disappoint you but I have grown Discovered Treasure and your picture is not the right color combination. Put this URL in your browser and you will see pictures of Discovered Treasure. Your variety is lovely and I hope someone can identify it. You could try sending your picture to the vendor. Often what happens is that it is an adjoining plant. Or could you have mixed up the names of your varieties?

Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Discovered Treasure')

to the iris forums Carol! Just a few years ago, I was just the same as you, starting an iris patch. Man, it was hard, but it got easier as the years went by. I fell in love with irises at a young age (probably 4 or 5 years old) because my stepmother grew them. I loved their wonderful fragrance, it always brought joy into my soul growing up. Now, I grow them everywhere. I have so many, that it is hard to keep track of their names. (I only have at least four or five irises on my NGA plant list, the rest, I don't) Anyways , and stick around for a while, we would love to hear more about you and answer all your questions.

I don't know about Texas' climate, but I guess since the weather is warmer there in the spring, your rhizomes (iris bulbs) will probably spread a lot faster. So keep a close lookout for your bulbs.

Here's a picture of one of mine from last spring to give you an example.
(it may help you)

Carol ~ My parents used to live in El Paso in the 1930's. I remember my dad speaking fondly of Ruidoso. I haven't heard that name in a very long while.

This is how it begins...
You've gotten good advice from everyone... If you spend much time in this forum, you'll find a bunch of friendly enablers.. Enjoy your blooms!

Henhouse said:
This is how it begins...
You've gotten good advice from everyone... If you spend much time in this forum, you'll find a bunch of friendly enablers.. Enjoy your blooms!

cbunny41 said:Welcome Ecscuba

I hate to disappoint you but I have grown Discovered Treasure and your picture is not the right color combination. Put this URL in your browser and you will see pictures of Discovered Treasure. Your variety is lovely and I hope someone can identify it. You could try sending your picture to the vendor. Often what happens is that it is an adjoining plant. Or could you have mixed up the names of your varieties?

Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Discovered Treasure')

Welcome Ecscuba! I hope you discover the true name of your DT. I gave a little gasp when I saw your photo. It's a beauty!