Is it ok to cut iris down when done blooming?
by
Nancy
+5
Is it ok to cut the leaves down on iris when blooming is done? I had heard that it doesn’t matter, it would make the garden neater looking.
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You can cut the bloom stems off. Best to leave the leaves until they start discoloring. Then cut them down. Best time to transplant Iris is in the fall.
I thank you for that information. I have both cut them off and left them in until fall but it didn’t seem to make much difference.
Almost all gardeners will tell you to cut off the spent iris bloom stalks but leave the leaves until fall. The leaves remain a lovely shade of green all summer and I don't think they make my garden look messy.
Although they may appear done, you need to wait until they completely die back. Best to be done in early fall. I've been doing some research to add them to my yard, this is what I've found. Don't trim the leaves because they carry the photosynthesis for the next year's growth. Only cut off brown tips. The best time to replant is soon after they bloom. You should cut the leaves back to about 6-8 inches above the ground.