How to prune iris laevigata 'variegata'

Deadhead after flowering in early to midsummer; cut back foliage in autumn. Remove individual spent flower stems at the base to preserve the ornamental variegated leaves. In autumn, shear all growth back to low stubs. Divide in late summer by lifting the rhizome clump and replanting vigorous outer sections at the correct marginal water depth.

Annual cut-back; divide every 3–4 years. The variegated water iris is grown partly for its cream-striped foliage, so avoid cutting it back during the growing season unless leaves are damaged. Deadhead spent blooms at the base in summer. Cut all foliage back to 10–15 cm (4–6 in) stubs in autumn. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in late summer to keep it vigorous.

Remove individual spent flower stems at the base to preserve the ornamental variegated leaves. In autumn, shear all growth back to low stubs. Divide in late summer by lifting the rhizome clump and replanting vigorous outer sections at the correct marginal water depth.