When And How To Prune Japanese Iris

Question From: M. Dampier - SOUTH CAROLINA
Q: I'm in South Carolina about 2 hours from Myrtle Beach. My Mother always cut the foliage back on the iris in a upside down "v". can they be cut now, they are in the shade and moist. beautiful Japanese iris.

A: Remove. the entire scape (flower stem) when the blooms fade. The leaves are cut back when they begin to yellow. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.

Comment: What will happen when you have already cut the foliage , I had to dig some of the plants of because of the walk way and gave them to a friend?

Response: Iris are tough characters. Have your friend plant them asap and keep the new plantings moist so they can become established.