Iris
theladygardens@aol.com (Sun, 25 Nov 2012 12:50:27 PST)

Iris never need to be cut back in winter, if you can, pull the dead leaves off but leave the greeen leaves. Burying them under mulch will rot the rhiomes although the roots can be planted in mulch.

-----Original Message-----
From: Kathleen Sayce <ksayce@willapabay.org>
To: pbs <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Sun, Nov 25, 2012 11:22 am
Subject: [pbs] Iris

Colleen wrote about irises and piling leaves on them. It's not clear what kinds
of iris you grow, probably tall bearded?

Most iris should be cut back in fall or early winter. Then, winter mulch in dry
cold climates should not be a problem, unless it gives rodents a foraging
advantage. [In wet winter areas, dense mulches like hardwood leaves can create
serious fungal problems for irises.]
Don't forget to pull the mulch back in spring.
Do think about creating a compost area for those leaves and other suitable
garden debris.

Kathleen

Kathleen Sayce
PNW Coast, WHZ 8, dryish cool summers & mild wet winters