Marianne's Response

judywelp-question

can and should the leaves of irises be cut back after they have bloomed?

Posted by on May 10, 2009

Marianne's Response

No, let the foliage ripen after the iris plants bloom as this makes next year's flowers. In the fall or late summer you may cut back bearded iris by one half but spring flowering iris need to have their leaves allowed to turn yellow and dry up. It is a mess at times so plant them near low growing shrubs or other perennials that will help hide the ugly foliage. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti