How to Replant Iris
- 1). Spread the tarp on the soil near the spot where the irises grow to provide a surface for examining and splitting the irises.
- 2). Loosen the soil around the irises with the tines of the garden spade and remove each iris clump from the soil. Transfer the irises to the tarp.
- 3). Examine the root systems (rhizomes) of the irises to remove any unhealthy growth. If you find root systems that appear decayed and unhealthy, cut these away with the pruning shears and discard them. Cut away broken roots and discard them.
- 4). Cut the rhizomes apart with the pruning shears to divide them. Remove the newer 2 to 4 inches of outside growth for planting separately.
- 5). Place one of the smaller iris clumps back into the original planting hole immediately and fill soil in around the roots to plant the rhizome at the soil surface. Firm the soil gently.
- 6). Cultivate a new planting area with the garden spade down to a depth of 6 inches. Add 2 inches of aged compost to the soil and work it in with the garden spade. Dig shallow holes about 6 inches apart to replant the divided iris clumps. Sprinkle a handful of bone meal into the bottom of each hole and cover the bonemeal with a handful of soil.
- 7). Replant the iris rhizomes into the prepared holes, placing them into the holes horizontally. Cover the roots with only enough soil so that you can still see the rhizomes slightly. Firm the soil gently with your hands.
- 8). Water the soil thoroughly immediately after you replant the irises.
