I have some of the very grassy-looking bi-color irises that are looking a bit shaggy . Can they be cut back and if so, how long does it take to regrow to something decent?? I am trying to get my yard ready for a backyard garden tour in May.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1882/index.html
Cutting back Bi-color irises???
What type of iris? Bearded, Japanese, Louisiana, etc. Do you have a picture? I don't cut back my bearded iris, preferring to let them gather as much clorophyll as possible before winter. In early spring the fans send up new leaves in the center and the old withered leaves at the edges can be lifted away without damaging the rhizome.
Oops - sorry! I should have looked at the link you offered before I wrote. Since I haven't grown these, I can't offer any advice, except to suggest inquiring where you got them. They are very pretty!
This message was edited Aug 29, 2006 4:54 PM
I don't know about cutting them back. I would be very afraid.... Can't you just pull out or cut back the unattractive leaves? That's what I do, and I have lots of these....
First question..... I posted a link to the plant. They aren't "irises" in the true sense of the word,, I don't think.
CJ... I am confused, so I just don't know what to do. Thanks for posting! I'll certainly forward any other info I find out. I do wish, sometimes that Daves Plant files had a "care and feeding" part to the info.!
Robin in Spring
Robin, I cut them back in the fall because I think they look ratty at the end of summer. I don't know how long it takes until they grow back, but I would think by May they would have some height on them. Trying cutting one back now and see how it does. They probably will grow at least until November, and then start again in Feb or March.
i would not recommend cutting dietes bicolor but rather cutting off the ratty leaves. If yours is large enough that it is becoming hard to manage, you might want to consider dividing it and planting in other parts of your garden or sharing.
Here's one short writeup, caraboof, that might be helpful.
http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Morea.html
And here's more:
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/dietesbicol.htm
This message was edited Aug 30, 2006 7:04 AM
Thanks all! Articles are interesting, Yuska!