The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 19 Summer 2016/17 | Page 47

propagation
Dividing Irises
By cosmas Makwangwa
Are your irises looking a little overcrowded?
Bearded irises are one of the most
beautiful plants in the garden. They
are also one of the easiest plants to
propagate. Iris leaves and flower stems
grow from rhizomes, which are thick
fleshy stems just below the surface. As the
rhizomes increase, so does the foliage;
however, when the rhizomes get old,
they produce less foliage and flowers. It
is important to divide the plant, remove
old rhizomes and make space for new
ones to grow. It is advisable to divide
them every five years.
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How to divide your irises
1. The perfect time to divide irises is when
they have finished flowering. Dig up the
whole clump of iris with a garden fork.
2. Shake off all the soil and then use your
hands to gently prise them apart. If you
are struggling to do this by hand, use a
sharp sterilised knife to divide them.
3. Don’t divide them into pieces that
are too small, as it will take longer for
them to mature and flower. Make sure
each piece has a good fan of leaves with
healthy rhizomes that look plump and
2
have strong roots. Cut off and throw away
the old rhizomes.
4. Trim the roots a little and cut the leaves
to about 15cm into a mitred fan shape, as
seen in photo number 4.
5. Plant out the divided irises in a sunny
to semi-shaded spot. Don’t bury the
rhizomes too deeply; slightly cover them
with soil and press down firmly.
6. Water regularly until established. Irises
are fairly water wise and don’t like to be
overwatered.
4
5
3
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