Iris--what do I do and when?
 

My iris plants have just finished blooming. Seems that the blooms are down in number from a few years ago after I divided them. I *think* it has been about five years since they were divided. I want more blooms next year. What do I do with them and when should I do it?

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

:cup I have the same question. Mine didn't bloom at all last year and only a few bloomed this year.

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

Hoping someone knows...
:bump

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

My mom's irises didn't bloom again this year :cry so your question spurred me on to research. :idea :rockon This is what I've found:

this is based on the irises being the bearded kind:

There are usually three reasons why bearded irises don't bloom:

1) They have become overcrowded. Irises need to be divided every three to four years.

2) They also won't bloom if they're planted too deep, or

3) they receive too much nitrogen from a fertilizer combination high in nitrogen.

It is recommended to dig them up and replant them this summer (For best results, Iris should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred.) Plant them so that a thumb-size portion of the rhizome is exposed to the sun. Instead of using potting soil I'd add regular bags of garden soil. Fertilize with a fertilizer no greater than 10-10-10.

I'm going to try it with some of mine to see if it works.

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

So, mine have gone past time and need to be divided again...guess I'll get on that! Did you find out if you are supposed to cut back foliage ever? Like the foliage on mine didn't go away this past winter.

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

this linksays to cut the foilage after you divide. :think

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

I need to get mine in the ground. I dug up a bunch from my childhood home last August.

I did have some in a bed, but they didn't bloom this spring.

How can you find out what the nitrogen level is?

Re: Iris--what do I do and when?
 

Test the soil, either professionally or with a DIY home test kit (the home tests aren't as accurate, but they give you a general range).