Iris sibirica-cultivation

[David Nicholson]

Visited Cotehele garden in Cornwall today and noticed that they had cut down the foliage on all their Iris sibs to about an inch or so from the soil. I've never done this so early, nomally it's a winter job for me, but it would make the job of spreading mulch a lot easier. Does any one else cut theirs down this early?

[Hans J]

David ,

I cut also all my Iris ( most I.barbata ) in August - I have learned this by lections from the famous Iris nursery Graefin Zeppelin :
http://www.staudengaertnerei.com/

Hans

[Lesley Cox]

I'd cut them back late in the autumn when they were looking really tatty but if it works for them....?
With the tall beardeds I generally trim then at about 25cms, a month or so after flowering, or at when I'd divide them if I were going to do that.

[David Nicholson]

Many thanks folks. Think I'll give it a go.

[Tom Waters]

I never cut green foliage unless I'm dividing and replanting. I regard it as a cosmetic measure that does not help the plants, and may actually weaken them. Of course, I'm happy with a garden that has a somewhat "naturalistic" look and is not overly tidy.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for your view Tom.

[Lesley Cox]

I agree with Tom, though I think it would be safe to cut once the foliage began to take on a yellowish tinge. The greenery contains the nutrition and means to build towards next year's flowering. Long and vigorous foliage is the price we pay for that. And in the case of siberians, the mature foliage waving in a breeze is a beautiful sight.