How to prune iris ensata

Deadhead immediately after flowering (midsummer); cut back foliage in autumn. Remove spent flower stems at the base. In autumn, cut all foliage to 10–15 cm (4–6 in) stubs with clean shears. Divide clumps in late summer or early autumn, replanting healthy outer fans and discarding spent central sections.

Annually for cut-back; divide every 3–4 years. Japanese iris needs modest post-bloom pruning. Cut back flower stems to the base once blooms have finished. In autumn, cut the entire plant back to about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) above ground level after the foliage dies down naturally. This tidies the clump and reduces disease pressure. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years to maintain flowering.

Remove spent flower stems at the base. In autumn, cut all foliage to 10–15 cm (4–6 in) stubs with clean shears. Divide clumps in late summer or early autumn, replanting healthy outer fans and discarding spent central sections.