Water iris.

When is the best time to lift and split a water iris that is taking over my pond ?
Thanks, denise.

 

Hi there Denise and Welcome to GC.If you are talking of the yellow water Iris,Iris Pseudacorus then you can split them now if they are taking over your pond.You might struggle to lift them out of the pond so either get someone to help you with the task or be very careful of your back.

I don't have a pond and just have them in the soil in the borders so they are a bit easier to dig up with a strong spade,but they will be harder in a pond setting.When you have pulled them out you can cut through the rhizome with perhaps an old carving knife.Make sure you have some root on each piece that you want to put back into the pond.When I replant mine in the ground I cut back the leaves by half to allow ofr wind rock in the soil but I am not sure if you will need to do that in a pond.

You can either give away the surplus plants or put them in your recycling bin.

 

Hi Kandy,
I am grateful for your advice and will tackle the Iris tomorrow ... weather permitting of course !

Many Thanks ...Denise.