Re: Re: CULT: Transplanting Irises

Tom,  Irises are like babies - they can survive all kinds of conditions.  The 
new mother is very nervous and anxious to do everything just right - the 2nd 
baby is more indulged because she knows an extra cuddle beyond the 
recommended time will not cause an earthquake!  The same  for a new gardner.  
Irises are very adjustable., altho there are definite ideas how they should 
be handled!  The reason for cutting the leaves to 6" (and sometimes I've 
received them cut to barely 2" -- that saves postage!!)  is to lessen the 
problem of the iris toppling over.  Tall leaves would overbalance them so the 
rhizome  would  likely  be pulled out of the newly worked-up soil.   And why 
wait until August?  Unless that suits your time available?  And of course, 
you don't have to worry about freezing and thawing which we do here in the 
North.   The earlier I plant, the better so the roots take hold before a 
freeze  Now that does not mean that I haven't planted in Oct. and even in  
early Nov.  But that is definitely not ideal and there is a risk attached!   
I have found that irises will adjust to your time-schedule - don't end up 
being a slave to your hobby!  I'd rather plant soon after digging -- but I 
have waited a month - - or more!  If you are involved in digging for your 
chapter's sale, you  don't have time to plant at the same time!  Do what you 
can, when you can!  Enjoy your irises!  
  This spring I did the unheard of transplanting!   Last fall came before  I  
had finished.  the transplanting.   In April I didn't like the looks of the 
bed - so I moved  the irises to another bed !  This time I did not cut the 
leaves back, but the rhizomes were buried into the  ground to hold them up -- 
some of them had bloom stalks!!  AND they bloomed! - some  stalks started 
after the move.  They look o.k. - maybe a little harrassed, but they are 
making it and  -- they look better than they did where they were!  This was 
an experiment, so will have to wait to see how they get along thru the year!  
I'm not recommending this, however!  (And of course "I" did not do the work - 
unfortunately I can only supervise it!)    Rosalie nr Baltimore, USA  Zone 7 
where it is still blissfully cool     ryfigge@aol.com

 

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