Hi northspruce,

It would be better to wait until July but if you feel you have to move them, you can. As I indicated in another thread, you might want to wait until the soil warms and the chance of frost is over. I wouldn't do it before the May long weekend. You will probably give up any blooms but they will have lots of time to settle in to their new homes.

HTH,

BJ in SW MB

Gillian,

Sure you can move them. They are already climatized to our spring. You should move them anytime before summer so that they will get established in your yard well before next winter.

The more dirt you take with them and the less disturbance of the roots, the better for the iris.

Brenda

I see that as I was typing out a response, BJ also sent in one.

BJ, if the iris is already outside at her mom's place, then why would you have to wait until the ground warms up or for another 4 weeks?

Brenda

Thanks Brenda & BJ.

I guess I wasn't clear, they have been planted outside at mom's house. I think I will move them in the next couple of weeks since Brenda says ok. I wasn't really counting on them blooming this year anyway, they're just young. If some do that would be nice though.

Gillian

Hi Brenda,

The reason I say it would be better to wait is that you will be disturbing them, cutting the roots that are only now starting to put out new growth. This disturbance makes them vulnerable to cold, wet, disease or whatever. My rule is no digging before May long weekend and no planting before at least the first week in June. It has worked for me. I'd be particularly leary of moving tall bearded iris since they are finicky here at the best of times, particularly the modern ones. Better safe than sorry is my mantra.

BJ in SW MB