When can I mow down my Iris's (flags)?

Do I need to wait until the leaves are brown about 2 inches from the top or do i just NOT mow them down?

When can I mow down my Iris's (flags)?
by any chance are you from or around Va, that what my Grandmother called them. We cut them down just a short time after they bloom. They always come back bigger thicker and just a nice the next year.
Reply:I never prune or mow my irises. Their foilage (leaves) should not turn brown until the first freeze.



I know many gardeners say regarding rhizome or bulb plants, "Cut the foilage back and it will make the bulb store nutrients." My irises are over 60 years old (they belonged to my great-grandmother) and bloom every year.



Irises should be planted in full sun with part of the rhizome (bulb) showing above the ground; the rhizome must get sunlight to encourage the iris to bloom. I add rotted cow manure to my iris beds every spring. You can mulch irises, but be sure not to cover the rhizomes.