How to prune copper iris

Deadhead immediately after flowering; cut back foliage in autumn as it dies down. Snip spent flower stems at the base after blooms fade; in late autumn cut all leaves back to 2–5 cm above the crown using clean sharp scissors or shears, removing all cuttings from the pond.

Deadhead after each flush of bloom; cut back foliage annually in autumn. Copper iris needs only light seasonal pruning. Deadhead spent flower stems after blooming to prevent unwanted self-seeding in the pond, which is especially important for this vigorous water iris. In autumn, as foliage dies back, trim leaves to just a few centimetres above the crown to keep the plant tidy and prepare it for winter dormancy.

Snip spent flower stems at the base after blooms fade; in late autumn cut all leaves back to 2–5 cm above the crown using clean sharp scissors or shears, removing all cuttings from the pond.