How do divide my iris rhizomes? Is it too late? Will they flower next yr if I didn't cut off stems w/blossoms?

I live in California zone 9.



I'm pretty sure I need to divide them cuz they look too crowded.



Also, I didn't cut off the flowering stems this year (too busy and forgot!), so i suppose the energy went to seeds instead of the rhizomes... will they flower again next year? If not, then what happens--will it flower the year after then?



Thanks!

How do divide my iris rhizomes? Is it too late? Will they flower next yr if I didn't cut off stems w/blossoms?
They should flower next year. Cut the flower stems back now. I am in Zone 6 and I divide mine in October. Cut the foliage back to about 4" tall in a fan shape or maybe it is better described as an arrowhead shape. Cut on an angle so that the leaves are longer in the middle. I use a spading fork and gently dig them up. Look over the rhizomes and remove any old, dead, wilted or sickly looking ones with a sharp knife. Plant your healthy rhizomes in their new spot. It is good to thin them every 3-5 years depending on their growth habit. Enjoy :)
Reply:You're not too late. Dividing Iris rhizomes follows the same time-line as in first time planting:

"The best time to plant iris is late summer through early fall. We recommend planting from August 1st until Mid-October depending on your location. Those in more southern climates can usually plant up to early November."

http://goodthymesgardens.com/iris_care.h...



They may bloom next year but usually, after dividing, "they need a year to rebuild carbs for flowering". When you divide your Iris, cut off the dried up stems %26amp; tidy up the leaves now. Some people like to trim the Iris into a fan shape for air circulation %26amp; so the sun can shine on the rhizomes.

"They should be cut, trimmed and free of any weedy rhizomes, such as quackgrass or thistle, and then set into the new location as soon as possible. Plant just below the soil surface and water in."

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortisc...



Good luck! Hope this is helpful.

Human Teeth