Q.What To Do With Poorly Planted Irises For Winter
Last year I dug out a section of my lawn, and transplanted various Irises from my garden, into the area. In hindsight, I am realizing that I should have built it up, rather than create a lower area. Naturally, too much moisture accumulates and settles, thus creating too much of a boggy area for thr plants. So, since it is too late in the season to dig them up, build the area up with sand and peat/soil, (or transfer to containers/other areas), what are my options for the coming winter? I would prefer not to mulch the area, as I am trying to get away from mulch altogether. Or should I just continue my regular methods until Spring, and then dig them up and prepare the new raised area by mixing in the components and replanting?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
If water collects in the area this winter, it could cause some rotting of the iris rhizomes. If you can add some well-draining garden soil without covering the tops of the rhizomes, that would be ideal. If that is not possible, you could go ahead and redo the planting site to build it up. Iris are pretty tough and should quickly reestablish.
