Dividing iris

We dig, divide and replant our bearded iris every 3 to 5 years to keep them from getting too crowded, which prevents them from blooming. June through September is the time to do this chore, but we seem to always get around to it in the heat of August.
This is a large clump of 'Clarence', one of our favorite reblooming iris. Kendel dug while I took pictures.

You can use a shovel for this job but I prefer a garden fork because it is easier. Of course, having someone else doing the digging makes it very easy.

The fleshy, thick tubers with the attached roots are called rhizomes (I still don't understand the difference between a tuber and a rhizome). You want to divide the clump into individual rhizomes. You can do this with a sharp knife or just break them apart with your hands. We used our hands.

Throw away any mushy or soft pieces of rhizome and cut the foliage back into a fan shape. You can cut your iris leaves back into this shape any time the tips get ragged or brown.

Her is our original clump divided into individual fans. Notice we did this in the shade. I have read you should let your fans sit out for a day or two so the cuts will harden off but it is too hot for that. We just let them air dry for an hour or so.

Plant your individual rhizomes back in the ground about 6 inches apart in well-amended soil. We added cottonburr compost to our garden soil.  Place the rhizomes at or slightly above soil level so they are not covered. This will help prevent rotting. If you place mulch in the bed, do not cover the rhizomes with mulch either, just bring it to the edge of the plants. Water them in well and wait for them to root out. We will probably not get the usual fall bloom from these divided Clarence, but I do expect a good show of lovely, fragrant flowers next spring.