Walking Iris: A Guide to Transplanting and Dividing
Introduction
Walking iris (Neomarica gracillis) is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that adds color and interest to any garden. It is known for its fans of pale green, lance-shaped foliage and small, fragrant flowers that bloom profusely through spring, summer, and autumn. If you’re looking to add walking iris to your garden or need to divide existing plants, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
When to Transplant Walking Iris
Walking iris is a sturdy plant that tolerates transplantation nearly any time during the growing season. However, the best time to transplant is in autumn, a couple of months before the first freeze. This gives the roots time to settle in before the cold weather arrives. You can also transplant walking iris in early spring, soon after the last freeze. Avoid transplanting when the weather is hot, as high temperatures can stress the plant.
How to Transplant Walking Iris
Transplanting walking iris is a relatively easy process. Here are the steps:
- Dig around the circumference of the plant with a garden fork or spade, prying upward as you go to loosen the roots.
- Lift the clump carefully and brush off loose soil so you can see the roots and rhizomes.
- Pull the plant carefully into sections. Each section should have several healthy roots and at least four or five leaves.
- Discard any old, nonproductive sections.
- Plant the divisions in their new location, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
- Water the plants deeply and regularly until they are established.
Dividing Walking Iris
Dividing walking iris is a great way to propagate new plants or rejuvenate existing ones. It is best to divide walking iris in the spring or fall when the weather is cool.
To divide walking iris:
- Dig around the circumference of the plant with a garden fork or spade, prying upward as you go to loosen the roots.
- Lift the clump carefully and brush off loose soil so you can see the roots and rhizomes.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rhizomes into sections. Each section should have several healthy roots and at least four or five leaves.
- Plant the divisions in their new location, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
- Water the plants deeply and regularly until they are established.
Caring for Transplanted and Divided Walking Iris
After transplanting or dividing walking iris, it is important to care for the plants properly to ensure they thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during the first few weeks after transplanting or dividing.
- Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.
- Divide the plants every few years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
Troubleshooting Walking Iris Problems
Walking iris is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it can sometimes experience problems. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and fertilize the plants if necessary.
- Brown leaves: This can be caused by sunburn, drought, or disease. Move the plants to a shadier location, water them deeply, and treat any diseases with an appropriate fungicide.
- Leggy growth: This can be caused by too much shade or lack of nutrients. Move the plants to a sunnier location and fertilize them regularly.
- Lack of flowers: This can be caused by improper planting, lack of sunlight, or nutrient deficiency. Make sure the plants are planted in well-drained soil in a sunny location and fertilize them regularly.
Conclusion
Walking iris is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that adds color and interest to any garden. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully transplant and divide walking iris and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
