Should I split an iris before planting new plant?

14 years ago

I've been looking all over the internet and thought I might find some experts here. I'm usually on the decorating forums when on the site, so I am new to the garden side. I just purchased a couple of beautiful and large iris plants in 5 gallon pots. They are blooming and have many buds, compared to the garden pics I see here in the iris blogs mine are very crowded in the pot. With new buds to bloom and flowers blooming now, my question is.. is it safe to divide them now before I plant them? Not sure if they are in a more fragile state during bloom. I know they need to be divided in 3 to 5 years and the plant looks like it might be crowded and at least will likely need it next year, wondering if I should wait or can the plant take the division now? I have read you need to cut back the plant after dividing and this would not be a good time to cut back all those buds and flowers, do I wait to divide or will it survive my cuting them in half now? They are tall purple and white/purple Japanese Iris, if that makes a difference. Should I plant them the way they are now and give them a chance to settle in? There are more than about 24 fans in each pot right now maybe a little more. Thanks

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Comments (6)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
there is an iris forum.. and boy do they like to post pix ...

bearded iris you would divide .. fan them.. and replant after bloom ..

also.. i might help to ID what iris we are talking about.. since not all of them get fanned ...

a pic would be worth a thousand more words..

ken
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
14 years ago
Yes, planting advice would depend on which kind of Iris. Regardless, the bloom period isn't likely to be very long, so I would leave them undisturbed until I enjoyed the pretty flowers!
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pollyannacorona
Original Author
14 years ago
They are labeled Japanese Iris "Garcieuse"
I tried to take a pic but cant upload, must upgrade to a smart phone. I am guessing the best thing to do is just
plant them and deal with it next year?
peggiewho
14 years ago
I agree with purpleinopp, do nothing. Slip them into a pot by the front door and enjoy them. If you plant them they won't flower for long. Big changes in environment will make the flowering short lived. Enjoy the flowers and when it's done, divide and plant.
pollyannacorona
Original Author
14 years ago
Good advise it is better I guess not to shock it twice.. thanks I will let them flower, then when they are done should I let the foliage turn gold? Do they work a bit like tulips or daffodils where I should let the foilage take in nutrients before cutting? I've read not to just cut them down right away when you are dividing them. Thanks again.
peggiewho
14 years ago
Drying out may not be a good idea. It likes moist soil and may make a good bog plant. I have a small pond and live in a dry climate. Any plant I can't satisfy its water needs gets put in the pond. The best marigold I ever had volunteered in a pond pot. The other wet spot I have is just below the front lawn where I grow calla lilies. Other water lovers go in self-watering pots, like sunpatiens and snow princess. I wouldn't divide but go for a bigger clump and a nice showy display. But that is me in my dry zone. Make your own plans in your special garden.