How to DIVIDE IRISES

Lift irises every two to five years to rejuvenate them and increase your stock. 1 Divide them in early autumn when the rhizomes have matured. 2 Carefully loosen the surrounding soil, without damaging the rhizomes. 3 Use a hand fork to tease out the roots. 4 Snap off healthy sections of rhizome, with leaves. 5 Remove any old or dying foliage.

6 Before replanting, shorten the leaves, to prevent wind rock. 7 Add grit to the soil to improve drainage. 8 Plant rhizomes 30cm-45cm apart, with leaves upright with the rhizomes uncovered, at soil level, facing the sun.