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14 July 2009
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Iris

Lift and divide irises

Lift your irises in late summer to break up overgrown clumps, make new plants and encourage flowering.

What to do

  • Lift clumps of irises from the soil with a fork.
  • Cut the leaves in half horizontally so they need less water as the roots regrow.
  • Split the clumps apart with a sharp knife, making sure each piece of rhizome has roots attached.
  • Replant in groups 30cm (1ft) apart, with the rhizome just below the surface.
  • Finish by watering and keep well watered until established.

  • Read More...

Time needed


1 hour

You will need

  • Garden fork
  • Secateurs
  • Gardening knife
  • Spade
  • Watering can

In Lifestyle

Iris plant profile
Find irises in the plant finder
Propagation basics
Virtual garden

Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk

Gardeners' Question Time
Gardeners' Corner

Elsewhere on the web

Royal Horticultural Society
The British Iris Society
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