The best time to dig them is In Aug, I would think at least some would bloom for you next year. You don't have a choice in the matter dig and plant them right away.

good luck.

Lora

good for you, dig them all. what town, maybe i'll bring my shovel! lol

i think if you get them out of their ground and back into yours at once, you will be fine.

maryanne

Dig now!

Actually one excellent book on iris I have recommends digging beardeds immediately after bloom. I have done that with good results.

I have taken irises from threatened sites many times: I don't think of it as stealing but feel as though I am preserving plant material which is no longer available commercially.

The old types have more "class", to my way of thinking. :)

Thanks all! I think of it as well as preserving these besuties! So, I dug up some and replanted within minutes. I'm a little worried as a couple of the fans are flopping...is this normal?

Yup. Usually the top half of foliage is removed so the newly planted iris won't flop over.