Bearded Iris in November: monthly care

Bearded iris requires minimal pruning, but a few timely cuts keep plants healthy and tidy. The main pruning window falls in November, after flowering has finished and foliage begins to die back, with a second opportunity in March before new growth starts. In November, cut back the sword-shaped leaves to about 15 cm above ground level, forming a neat fan shape. This reduces wind rock over winter, removes any diseased or slug-damaged foliage, and improves air circulation around the rhizomes, which helps prevent bacterial soft rot and rhizome rot. Use clean, sharp secateurs or shears and wipe blades between plants if you spot any signs of disease. Dispose of all pruned material rather than composting it, especially if you've seen any leaf spot or rot. In March, tidy up any remaining dead foliage and remove any soft, rotted, or damaged portions of rhizome. If clumps have become congested—typically after three to four years—lift and divide them. Use a sharp knife to cut the rhizome into sections, each with a healthy fan of leaves and firm roots. Discard any old, woody, or soft sections from the centre of the clump. Replant the vigorous outer portions as described in planting instructions. After flowering in late spring or early summer, snap off individual spent flower stems at the base to prevent seed formation, which diverts energy from rhizome development. Leave the foliage intact until November; it continues photosynthesising and feeding the rhizome for next year's display.