How to Divide Bearded Iris Bearded iris produce leaves, flower stems, and roots from a thick, rootlike structure called a rhizome. As the plant matures, the rhizome produces more rhizomes, which ...

Spring-planted irises typically grow from rhizomes—thick, fleshy root structures with visible root nodes. It's better to wait until fall to plant iris bulbs.

Rhizomatous iris – the kind that grows from rhizomes – includes Siberian, Japanese and bearded iris. Other types of iris grow from bulbs and have different care requirements. To keep ...

Question: When is the best time to divide and plant my existing iris rhizome bulbs and to plant new iris rhizomes bulbs? – Jerry Fischer, Concord Answer: Iris suppliers usually start shipping ...

Plant the rhizomes so the fan of leaves faces the same direction for the best display. Water well when planting bearded iris rhizomes, but don't continue to water unless the weather becomes dry.

One reader asks how to divide up bearded irises to produce healthier blooms. Another questions what to look for when buying spring blooming bulbs. Two garden experts share their advice.

To divide and transplant iris, lift the whole clump by gently prying them out of the soil with a spading fork, which works better than a shovel because it’s less likely to injure roots and rhizomes.

If you are also dividing the plant, gently shake off soil and tease plants apart. Each new plant should have three to five eyes and as much of the root system as possible.