Hey all, I'm so glad I found your site, looks very helpful! I'm separating my iris for the first time in 4 years (I know I waited too long)... I have one bed dug up but I have questions about separating them. If you look at the pics below you'll see that there are some that have what looks like 3 plants off the same rhizome with almost no way to separate them, at least as I see it. Is there a way to separate these or do I need to just replant them in as is the new beds? Also, for the larger rhizome that I separated the plants from that now have no plant attached to it but it does have roots (did that make sense?), can these be planted in hope that they will bloom next year?
Can these be separated?
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ElvisFan/DSCN9947.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ElvisFan/DSCN9955.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ElvisFan/DSCN9949.jpg[/img]
Will these sprout if they are planted?
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ElvisFan/DSCN9953.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ElvisFan/DSCN9952.jpg[/img]
P.S. I LOVE the way this site automatically resizes images into thumbnail/clickable images!
I think you can just use a sharp, clean knife to cut them apart. Sections without leaves won't bloom until they have developed further, however. Here's a link to a site that might be of interest to you:
https://www.zydecoirises.com/Culture/Propagation.htm
I would not try to divide the leaf fans in the picture you posted, but you might remove the rhizome on the tip. If you plant it, it will probably develop into a new plant, although as I mentioned, not until it has had time to develop leaves.
If you attempt to propagate from the rhizome cuttings, I would be very pleased if you would post images of the results. I have not attempted this myself, although I may later this year. I'm interested to learn how it works out.
https://www.zydecoirises.com/Culture/Propagation.htm
I would not try to divide the leaf fans in the picture you posted, but you might remove the rhizome on the tip. If you plant it, it will probably develop into a new plant, although as I mentioned, not until it has had time to develop leaves.
If you attempt to propagate from the rhizome cuttings, I would be very pleased if you would post images of the results. I have not attempted this myself, although I may later this year. I'm interested to learn how it works out.
That article was very helpful, I think I'll give it a shot on planting the rhizome cutting, it can't hurt to try and if it works that's even better. These iris were here when we moved in and some are years and years old and have just developed into an iris factory. Every year I have new blooms and colors that I didn't have the year before. I had a pure white bloom this spring that I've never seen in the past 5 years..... If my calculations are correct I'll have in the area of 350 new shoots to dig up and replant in new areas. I know it seems early to do this but everything bloomed early this year with a funky February and as a result they have died off already so I'm ready to make up some new beds... I may put just the rhizome cuttings in one bad alone so I know if they started new plants. If it works, I'll definitely post pics Thanks for your help, I'll definitely be here quite a bit from now on!
Thanks for your help, I'll definitely be here quite a bit from now on!