I agree with Nancy.

Thanks Nancy and Irisgal.

I'm no iris buff, but I figure by your answer, I should know the type of iris I have - old fashionned or new hybrid. But I don't. I've never even seen them.

We've owned the place only 5 years, and I'm only now getting to them. I assume they're old since they were planted by nuns over four decades ago and I have a hard time imagining nuns hunting new hybrids in the '70s !!

They'll be a surprise when they come out !! ...if, they come out.

I have over 50 faned out about 6, 7" high, wayyy too covered, and lacking Spring sun. I'll risk the division and move hoping they're the old type, and scatter them in small groupings south facing, under a tree's canopy line. They'll end up getting over 6h of full sun early Spring, and on.

I'm sure you will be fine, they should be much happier in their new location. I'm sure you will find, when you start dividing you will find way more than you think you have. Once they are in a good location, they will multiply and bloom happily. And I say all this assuming they are bearded iris, but I think the same will be true of most other iris.

vibi good luck, just did the exact thing last fall and found I had triple of what I thought once divided! But I don't think I could ever have to many beautiful bearded irises!!! I found mine 2 years ago in my neighbors woods growing wild, what a great surprise that was!!! Dug them up and transplanted them too deep and they didn't bloom, last fall divided and lifted them and they are finally almost about to bloom! So excited to see them, the 2 year wait will be well worth it

Cut the fans back to no more than 6-inches or so when dividing - they'll recover nicely and will be less likely to tip or have the wind knock them out. It helps them recover.