How To Lift And Divide Iris Plants - Gardener's Path

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Fill containers with a light humus-rich soil and plant as outlined above, keeping the rhizome tops exposed to the sun.

A close up horizontal image of a line of terra cotta pots planted with iris flowers in a botanical garden.

Water lightly to settle in place.

Water regularly when the top two inches of soil are dry.

Provide containers with winter protection in a frost-free location, or add a deep four- to six-inch layer of leaf mold or straw mulch to protect the rhizomes.

Ensuring Vigorous Blooms

For a continuous display of vigorous blooms, plan to divide iris clumps before they become overcrowded, or every few years.

A close up horizontal image of light purple iris flowers growing in the garden.

After dividing your rhizomes, replant and transplant freely – there’s always plenty of rootstock.

Pot up the surplus into small containers for family, friends, neighbors, or your local plant exchange. They make an appreciated gift or bartering chip!

If you have any questions about how to divide and transplant irises, drop us a line in the comments below.

And for more information about growing irises in your garden, check out these guides next:

  • How to Plant and Grow Irises
  • 33 of the Best Iris Cultivars for Your Garden
  • Types of Irises: A Guide to Iris Classification and Flowering Sequence
  • Tips for Growing Bulbous Iris in the Garden
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Photos by Lorna Kring © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published August 12th, 2021. Last updated April 28th, 2025. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock.

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