Do I Cut Off Iris Blooms. Cut off brown tipsand cut the flowering stalk down to the rhizome to discourage rot. 01032020 After blooming is finished cut flower stems down at their base.
The iris rhizomes need the energy from the foliage to grow throughout the winter and bloom the following spring. Every 4-5 years you should dig out all the irises and cut off the old rhizomes dip them in a bleachwater solution to kill. This process is known as deadheading.
Iris plants are the best cut back in the fall although the spent flower stalks may be removed during the spring after plants end their blooming yet leave foliage standing through the summer.
You want the plant to put its energy into the rhizome not seeds. Spent flower stalks can be removed in spring after the plants finish blooming but the foliage should be left standing through summertime. Cut off brown tipsand cut the flowering stalk down to the rhizome to discourage rot. Use a clean sharp knife to cut the rhizomes and then replant the divisions.