What is the best time of year to move some Iris bulbs?

I have some planted in a part of my yard that is too shady, would like to put them where they will get more sun.

What is the best time of year to move some Iris bulbs?
I have dozens of iris all over my property. I dig them up and move them all year long (unless the weather's freezing, of course). Iris are tough, and they'll forgive you for moving them.



Be sure to leave a little of the top of the "bulb" (rhizome) exposed when you replant them, as sunshine on the rhizome is what prompts iris to bloom.
Reply:Iris actually "rhizome" instead of true bulb. If you wait until they look really daggy - like the end of summer or autumn, then dig them up, that is the best time. Be delicate by using a garden fork so you don't break the rhizome too much. Before transplanting, cut the leaves back to only a few inches above the rhizome. Another tip is to plant them well spaced in the new sunny location, with part of the rhizome above the soil. It is the sun on the rhizome "suntanning it" which helps Irises flower.
Reply:Iris rhizomes are best transplanted in July/August, but can be done later. Actually they should be dug and divided every few years. I mumbled as to why this has to be done in the summer's heat. Bearded iris and others with rhizomes are actually in a semi dormancy in summer's heat so less damage.



Iris bulbs are a bit more tricky. Bulbs when the foliage dies back......can be stored in the summer (except by me) and replanted in the fall.......much like tulips.



Since rhizome iris are far more popular, I'm betting this is what you have. Read up on it first, as there is some trimming of the rhizome necessary and some leaf work.
Reply:July for sure! The part of the Iris that flowered will die, so you can get rid of that part of the rhizome. The newest part of the plant will not flower until the second year.
Reply:now that i clicked on to this i forgot. i wanted some from my mom before she sold her house and it was the wrong month to get them so i ended up not getting any. seems like it was august or september.

a good gardening book should tell you.
Reply:befor the rain season comes,,, lilies (bulbs) are usually dormants in summer time they sprang out when the first rain comes,,, they bloom in this season, later the flowers drop leaving the plants with leaves and later only the bulbs
Reply:you usually move the Irises after they are done blooming but if you are not worried about them blooming this year because of them being in the shade go ahead and move them anytime.
Reply:You can transplant any time. If in spring while in flower just take a bit of earth with it. just watchout because iris are inclined to sulk and may take two seasons to flower. Good luck