After a bath a trimmed a bit.

I forgot to take something to measure them. Hand pruners...you get the idea. I have never had roots this long.

A. Back in the same soil with bone meal.
B. Back in the same soil without bone meal.
C. Swap out the soil with bone meal.
D. Swap out the soil without bone meal.

What say you?

Jim

What healthy gorgeous plants. Back in the same soil with bonemeal (a great slow acting addition). Beardeds are heavy feeders. My theory is that's why they "travel". Depleting nutrients and seeking new.

I'll not be a bit of help, I'm afraid. I've got a couple of iris that have more roots than normal, I don't think I've had any with as much roots as yours. First thought, it is a good thing, usually good roots mean healthy plants. And they plants certainly look healthy from you photos. But then, maybe they are developing more roots in search of nutrients/water? On mine that have more roots, I have assumed that it was normal for the variety, but I guess you would have noticed when you planted them. Out of curiosity, I would probably try some with added bone meal & some without.

I love Jim's experiments. I helps to keep the eyes of the Missus rolling around in her sockets.

Jim

I MUST add that these roots were all lateral roots. As I tried to dig them, I was pulling on rhizomes 8-10 inches away! That was a struggle. The fork did not do the job, I had to use the shovel and cut through the roots.

I cleaned them and they are lying on the grass, ready to be re-placed on Wednesday!

Please - more opinions!

Jim

I love that iris. I think they are really happy with where they are. I would put down a little bone meal, unless you have a dog. If you have a dog then it might dig up your newly planted iris

Another thing I didnt think to add, this time of year, Irises will begin to lose leaves. Its just natural cycle of yearly growth.

Get a soil test, then you will know what you need.