Dividing bearded irises

Splitting clumps keeps them productive

- Ruth Hayes

BEARDED irises are some of the most spectacular flowers to grace an early summer garden. Reaching their peak in late May and through June, their sword-like leaves and flamboyant, ruffled flowers make a statement wherever they grow.

Often seen in shades of purple and lilacs, bearded irises (Iris germanica) also produce flowers in yellow and assorted shades of russet, orange, white, salmon and blue. But if their clumps are not divided every few years, five at the most, they will run out of steam and flowering will falter.

Divide their clumps around six weeks after they have finished flowering and been deadheaded, as this will give the replanted sections time to put on growth and get their roots established for future flowering before they enter their winter dormancy.