Iris Transplant?

[hqueen13]

I posted this in my little journal, but I figured I'd copy it here to get more answers:

Also just got word that I am getting some bearded Iris from another freecycler! I am so excited to be able to add something pretty to the yard that is low maintenance the deer don't eat AND the trees can't grow through! Its PERFECT!! wee She recommended to not "plant" them, but pointed out that they only need to be laid on the surface of the soil, or just below. I was thinking I'll rake back the mulch, and then sit them on the dirt, and then put a little mulch back over them. Do I need to water them well or anything? I've never planted Iris to really know what I should be doing with them. They were already here in the yard, at least the mini ones were. Once they finish blooming (I am gathering they're later bloomers than most Iris) I'll split them and spread them out in the yard for operation Iris takeover tongue I look forward to less maintenance and weeds!

 

[the funny farm6]

Plant them like a duck- half in and half out of the water.

My mom raised/bred/crossed bearded iris for years, even created some new colors! But that is how she always told people how to plant them. And yes to watering them.

 

[hqueen13]

That is great! I assume the half in/out part is the rhizome at the bottom, not the green part... Just want to make sure that I understood! My thumb is only half green, the other half is black, so I have to be careful when I grow things

 

[the funny farm6]

Yes the long tuber. You will lay it flat on the ground and half bury it.all green should be above ground.

 

[the funny farm6]

I wish I could post pics I trans-planted some a month ago.

 

[so lucky]

The title of your thread made me think you were having eye surgery.

 

[moolie]

I love irises and yes, you plant the rhizome "half in/half out" of the soil--raking back your mulch and a bit of the soil should be perfect, just don't cover the top of the rhizome completely

Do you know what colour the flowers are?

 

[hqueen13]

LOL, so lucky, I don't think that is possible! But what do I know! LOL

So Should I lay the green down, or try to stand them up?

I need to ask the woman I am getting them from how much sun hers get. My yard is pretty deep shade, but the miniatures in purple and yellow that I already have thrive in it. I have areas with more morning sun and more afternoon sun, or more shade, so depending I can adjust where I plant them.

Moolie, the woman that is giving them away said "purple/lavendar bearded" so we'll see next year what they turn out like! I am very excited!!

Little things make me happy... and this makes me really happy!!

 

[the funny farm6]

Stand the green up. You should also cut the green back to @ 6-8". That way they will work on roots instead of flowering. Mom and I both have planted where they get lots of afternoon sun. They bloom better with more sun.

 

[~gd]

Stand the green up. You should also cut the green back to @ 6-8". That way they will work on roots instead of flowering. Mom and I both have planted where they get lots of afternoon sun. They bloom better with more sun.

We always transplanted right AFTER they had bloomed normally they would be working on the seeds then so the bloom would be removed so the goodies would go into leaf and root growth. the leaves were cut to 3-4 leaf fans one fan per root section.