acs815
enthusiast
Posts: 225
Reg: 06-08-07
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05-03-12 09:59 AM - Post#148938
The previous owner of my house had beautiful irises planted throughout the yard....different types, colors. They are absolutely beautiful, but they are spreading like crazy. A friend of mine said I needed to thin them out or eventually they'd quit blooming, but she didn't know when or how I should go about doing it.
Do I just dig up clumps of them and then replant the ones I want to keep?
What do I do with the ones I dig up? I'd hate to just throw them out, but I think I'm running out of places for them?
Can I trim back the ones that I keep? I'd like to get some of the weeds and stray grasses that are growing between them cleaned out?
And, can I do it now or do I need to wait until winter? I think they're all done with their spring bloom.
Many thanks for any advice...and if you want free irises, you know where to get them. :)
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 8753
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-03-12 10:49 AM - Post#148944
In response to acs815
It is usually best to divide spring blooming plants in the fall, so if you don't mind waiting, you can do this anytime September - December. But, since they are probably done blooming now, and if you want to thin them out you can do it now. Dig them up and break off the fans with leaves. Toss the old rhizomes in a compost bag since those are done. Add some organic matter to the soil and replant the ones you want to keep. If you don't want the rest, you can break them into individual clumps and put them in a box in front of your house near the curb with a sign that says "Free Iris - Help Yourself." I have done that and people do stop and help themselves. Another idea is if a neighbor is having a garage or yard sale, to put them out in a box with a free sign. Otherwise, put them in a compost bag and set them out for compost pick-up.
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gringogigante
enthusiast
Posts: 106
Loc: Allen
Reg: 02-06-11
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06-21-12 07:47 PM - Post#150377
In response to denisew
When you "add organic matter", do you just toss it on top of the soil at the base of the bush or do you turn it into the soil somehow without disturbing the root system?
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 8753
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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06-22-12 07:40 AM - Post#150387
In response to gringogigante
I just use a hand held trowel to mix a couple scoops (more or less) into the top few inches where I am planting. You can also put it on top and when the plants get watered, the nutrients trickle down into the soil, but mixing it in a bit is best.
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