I just dug up a huge clump around my fish pond and spread them out, cutting them in the fan shape as I went. I remember the OKC Iris Society always had their iris sale around my husband's birthday (July 17) so I figured if members had dug their irises and got them ready for a sale by mid-July, it would be OK to divide and replant. I really wanted to go this year, but never saw it advertised.

Harriet, I have a huge plot of badly neglected purple bearded iris. Not sure if mine are different than yours. Anyway, the plot is big and the leaves are ugly. Literally, yesterday, was the day they got mowed. I wait until about mid July and the tips of the leaves start to turn brown. To me, it indicates they've gotten enough energy. I mow them down. They always come up, especially if I've divided them at this time or later. I'll wait until early fall so it won't be so hot for me, but I know I could do it now and they'd be fine for next year.

Same story with digging up my naked ladies at this time of year. They really appreciate it.

bon

Thanks, Patti and Bon,

This confirms my suspicions - iris are pretty tough! I have left the bulbs out of the ground for several months in past years, and they still grew after they were finally planted. I just don't want to affect the blooms for next year,

If they have bloomed already this year you should be ok to cut back or even divide them. I move mine at all times of the year except winter and have never had them not bloom. As you say Iris are tough.