Cutting back iris for winter?

[Munchkinn]

Hi, this is my first year in this house and in the next month or so I want to put a different net over the pond to stop all the leaves (from the tree immediately above it) falling in the pond (The current net doesn’t cover the iris). The only thing is these iris shown, will be crushed/flattened by the net. I’ve heard that you can (should?) cut iris back for winter, is that correct? I’m in the uk so it can get cold but rarely below -5 and often not for long periods. Many thanks

 

[BKHpondcritters]

It depends on the type of iris. I have some that go fully dormant which I cut back, and others that remain evergreen that I don't.

 

[j.w]

You can raise your net up on posts. Mine is about 3 or 4 ft above the water.

 

[Munchkinn]

It depends on the type of iris. I have some that go fully dormant which I cut back, and others that remain evergreen that I don't.

When do you cut them back and how far?

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I almost always cut my irises down as far as I can. Usually about an inch or two remaining. If I don't cut them they go dormant anyway and need to be cleaned up regardless. I just find them easier to cut and remove when they're still green, and then they're not sitting in the water decomposing all winter.

I don't have a specific time when I cut them, but I do it in fall and try to make sure it's done before snow falls. I usually take care of it before the net goes on (mid to late October) but I've also done it in November, and sometimes in mid to late September.

 

[Munchkinn]

I almost always cut my irises down as far as I can. Usually about an inch or two remaining. If I don't cut them they go dormant anyway and need to be cleaned up regardless. I just find them easier to cut and remove when they're still green, and then they're not sitting in the water decomposing all winter.

I don't have a specific time when I cut them, but I do it in fall and try to make sure it's done before snow falls. I usually take care of it before the net goes on (mid to late October) but I've also done it in November, and sometimes in mid to late September.

At or below water level?

 

[BKHpondcritters]

For mine, I wait until we've had a good frost or freeze & then cut the foliage down as low as I can get it. Perhaps an inch or two above where the foliage attaches to the tuber.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

At or below water level?

Usually an inch or two above water just because I don't like working in cold water at the time of year. I don't think it matters that much though. No matter where you cut them it wont have an affect on how they grow back next season. It's mainly just about getting out as much plant material as you want to keep decomposing at a minimum.

 

[addy1]

I cut mine back, in the fall, above, below water.

 

[GBBUDD]

I cut back my Iris as soon as it is done blooming and as it grows back to the same point it is absorbing nutrients from the water and not just growing wider.

 

[addy1]

I cut back my Iris as soon as it is done blooming and as it grows back to the same point it is absorbing nutrients from the water and not just growing wider.

Good idea. Mine need pruning back, again