When July rolls around, many spring‑blooming perennials have finished their show for the season. For irises, midsummer is actually the ideal time to divide and replant them, since they enter a natural rest period before beginning new root growth.
If you plan to dig up irises to divide and replant, it’s a good idea to trim the foliage back to about one‑third of its height and remove any old bloom stalks. This helps the plant focus its energy on establishing new roots rather than maintaining large leaves during hot, dry weather.
However, if you are not dividing and replanting your irises, you should not cut back healthy foliage. The leaves are essential for photosynthesis and help the plant store energy for next year’s blooms. For irises staying in place, the best care is simply removing dead or diseased leaves and leaving the rest of the plant intact.
The Ellis County Master Gardeners are hosting their 6th Annual Iris Sale, where they will demonstrate proper techniques for dividing and pruning iris rhizomes. A wide variety of colors will be available for a suggested donation of $1 each. This is definitely an event you won’t want to miss. For more information, check out their flyer.
If you have any questions about what plants need to be pruned back and when, please contact us through the Horticulture Help Desk or call 785-628-9430.