Irises (Iris spp.) grow from rhizomes that may be left in the ground over the winter, to return the following spring. To rid the garden of irises, the rhizomes must be removed from the ground. This is most easily done in the fall at the end of the growing season, when the iris plants are in decline anyway.
Cut the earth around the iris leaves, digging below the rhizomes. The rhizome should be near the surface of the soil, and will look somewhat like a ginger root.
Cut under the bottom edge of the rhizome with the shovel, severing the rhizome from the roots.
Lift the rhizomes gently out of the ground.
Fill the holes in the garden with fresh soil.
Things You Will Need
- Although you may not want your iris plant anymore, the rhizomes you dig out of the ground will grow again if given to a friend or neighbor for planting. The firmest, largest rhizomes may be saved. Shake the dirt from the rhizomes, then use sharp pruning shears to trim the root down to 2 inches, and the leaves to approximately 6 inches in length. Rhizomes may be stored in peat moss, in a cool, dark place, and should be planted in midsummer of the following year.
- Most irises grow in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10,
- University of Vermont Extension: Mulching Bulbs and Other August Gardening Tips
- North Carolina State University: Bearded Iris for the Home Landscape
- North Carolina State University: Summer Flowering Bulbs: Preplant and Overwinter Storage
- University of Illinois Extension: Stepping Stones to Perennial Garden Design
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