Old, Dead Leaves
During the growing season, the older outside leaves will brown and wither. Remove them promptly
and new leaves will replace them. In the fall be sure to remove all dead leaves to avoid over wintering insects and disease.

Removing Flower Stalks About a week or two after your Iris has finished flowering, snap the flower stalk off at the base. Grab hold of the stalk near the bottom and bend forward towards the "nose" of the rhizome. A little unnerving the first time! Just go to it; it‘s easy.
Bend Stalk Forward	Snap It Off	Nice Clean Break

Dividing Every 2-4 years, in late July, dig up the clump and divide the rhizomes. Cut off the larger, healthy outer rhizomes. Throw out the old mother rhizome. She won't bloom again. Trim the outer leaves to about 6" to 10" long. You will have lots for your friends and family. If you need a little help, come by or E-mail us in mid-summer and we will explain how. P.S., they make great hostess gifts.
Expose the clump	Divide the rhizomes	Five New Plants

Fertilizing
Bearded Iris thrive with a minimum of fertilizer so most soils are more than adequate for good growth. If your plants need fertilizing do not use manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote soft growth that is apt to rot. Bone meal worked into the soil before planting is good; superphosphate is another good fertilizer. On established plants, a low nitrogen or balanced lawn fertilizer works well when applied in the spring about one month before bloom. Sprinkle on the ground around the plants, not on the Iris rhizome. Water in well.
Alfalfa pellets have been widely recommended as a fertilizer and organic soil conditioner. They are available as rabbit and horse pellets from farm-feed stores such as the Co-Op. We have been mixing the pellets into the soil when planting new beds or as a light top-dressing around each established clump. About a cupful will do it.
However, recently we have been invaded by Millepedes, (one-inch steel-grey worms coiled up like a spring). Apparently, not only are they are attracted to decaying organic matter particularly in new
beds cut out of turf, they like Alfalfa. As the organic matter decreases, they turn to the iris roots for food. Sooo...., we are re-thinking this approach.

Winter Heaving
During the last couple of winters we have experienced significant thaw periods mid-winter possibly
due to climate change. These temperature changes result in a freeze-thaw cycle which is particularly damaging to newly-planted Iris rhizomes.

Winter Mulch A thick covering of weed free straw or a light covering of sand, compost or evergreen bough mulch would be beneficial after the ground freezes. Dry Oak and Beech leaves are good coverings since they do not pack down. Do not use other types of leaves such as Maple since they
are slimy and prevent air circulation.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to remove all mulches in early spring before new growth begins.

Newly (First Year) Planted Rhizomes Renate is covering one of our "New Introductions", Power Point, with about 9" of weed-free straw.

First Year Planted Bed Here we have covered the entire newly planted bed with straw. In the spring the straw will be raked in between the rows to help act as a weed barrier.

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