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Irises are fascinating plant , and not just because of their look . The genus is divided into six subgenres between 260 and 300 species ( depend on whom you verbalize to ) .
Two are rhizomatous , while the other four are bulblike and were look at separate mintage .
But even more interesting are the iris that are n’t irises , such as Dietes iridioides ( dy - AY - teez ir - id - ee - OY - deez ) , and the African Iris .
This plant ( whose name stand for iris - like ) graces many gardens right alongside honest flag . This wrongly leads some to believe they divvy up the same precaution requirements .
There are a few differences in this rhizomatous plant , such as when it ’s good to divide them .
When Is the Best Time To Divide African Iris?
While one can separate African irises at any time , previous summer is in general best .
This timing apply the pertly part flora a hike for the following yr .
Choose Your Timing
Just like rhizomatous irises , your African iris will need naval division every 3 to 5 years .
This metre is the full stop when the ball set about to overcrowd themselves . Also , the older central rootstock is likely no longer able to bloom .
Many growers take to divide in tardy winter , claiming it gives the plant more time to arise new foliage .
But , this recent timing may keep blooms for that year , so most expert concur that late summer to early fall is the best time .
As African iris love warmth , this gives them enough fourth dimension to re - establish before frost curing in .
They spend this time storing up critical nutrients giving the plant a stronger start in the spring .
Should You Cut Back First?
After being cut back , African irises postulate up to 6 calendar month to regrow their leafage .
It can leave the plant life looking rather scruffy for some meter .
ignore back will reduce the flora ’s ability to photosynthesize and store energy for the winter .
Sometimes , cutting back is unavoidable ( such as when lot with pests or disease problems ) . But it ’s best to leave the foliation intact when potential .
Another reason to avoid ignore back is that African irises will only bloom from an established stalk .
By cutting back , you may be off this stalk , which will make a proper flora section much harder .
Excavating The Rhizomes
Carefully dig around the clump , allowing a few inches of blank to cut the risk of damage the rhizomes .
A spade or garden crotch will work best , allowing you to get under the plant and softly nose it from the land .
Do n’t worry if you cut some of the trailing stem during excavation , as this plant is more forgiving than most rhizomatous sword lily .
Once you ’ve pried the works free , knock away any excess dirt .
Dividing The Rhizomes
Unlike some true irises , it ’s often easier to part an African iris before checking for scathe .
Divide by mitt or by using a sharp , unimaginative tongue .
Pro Tip : Before dividing , take some string and tie each flower stalk with its nearby leafage to get a clear idea of where to part .
While you’re able to make partitioning as small as 4″ to 6 ” in , you’re able to make larger sectionalisation if you require few plants .
retrieve that each partition must have a stalk and a few leaves to survive .
Cut away and cast aside the primal rootstalk as it ’s draw near the end of its life-time .
Examining For Damage
Perhaps the most decisive step is to scrutinize each rootstock piece for any polarity of disease or harm .
Mushiness , a foul sense of smell , or brown to black flesh are signs of rot or fungous disease .
It ’s often potential to abbreviate away the diseased sections until only healthy white tissue remains . But discarding these rhizomes is better .
lilliputian holes in the rhizome are signs ofiris borer or interchangeable pestsand sign it is time to chuck out of the rhizome .
Once you ’ve selected the healthy rhizomes , it ’s an optional option to give them a treatment to help prevent infection .
A dusting of antifungal pulverization is the faster option . Or you may do a 30 - second soak in a 10 % percent bleach solution .
Allow the rhizomes a day or two to dry subsequently .
Replanting
groom your filth or potting mix before planting , and make certain the new dapple will get at least 6 to 8 minute of sunshine per day .
You ’ll want to establish the rhizome in groups of three , with each appendage of the mathematical group 2 ’ feet away from the others .
This spacing allows the plants plenty of room to grow before becoming overcrowded .
Dig a small hole a picayune tumid than the rootstock and lay it in the middle .
Next , slow backfill , spreading any theme out as you go .
swallow up the rhizome to roughly the same depth as when you extirpate the mother flora .
Give the plants some water to help them settle down into their young dwelling house .
Finally , if you bound the leaves , you’re able to tie them to a bamboo bet to help support the flora until established .
