6 Photos
A large clump of old rhizomes from a bearded iris. The fan arrangement gives a bit of a clue that this group would divide nicely as one three-fan and one two-fan divisions. Much of the rhizome on the left side will be discarded. ANDREW MESSINGER
Once dug, the rhizomes are separated, trimmed to remove damage then organized by number of fans. The top row shows single-fan divisions while the bottom row shows mostly two-fan divisions and a three-fan (center bottom). ANDREW MESSINGER
These rhizomes are being set into a shallow trench. Soil will be used to backfill the trench. Then, with gentle fingers, the rhizome can be turned and adjusted so the fan is pointing upward and the roots are covered with soil. ANDREW MESSINGER
Roots set, soil backfilled and a light watering will settle the rhizome into its new home. Note that the rhizome is and should be visible and not totally covered with soil. ANDREW MESSINGER
A 4-foot row of a newly planted Iris "Immortality. Note the mix of single- and double-fan divisions being used.
The same rhizomes from Iris "Immortality," a double bloomer, several years after the original divisions seen in the other pictures. These may flower again around September 15 with pure white, bearded flowers. First flowering takes place in mid to late May. ANDREW MESSINGER
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