Dividing Pacific Coast Iris

Transplanting: The general rule of thumb is to wait until the fall rains start as this seems to initiate the new roots that are used to indicate that it's time to transplant. While PCIs are relatively drought tolerant, we still water about once a week to maintain the rest of our plant collection. This practice has proven to effectively initiate new white roots as early as mid-August, well before our fall rains begin. Because of this, we have found that the best time for transplanting is mid-August to the end of September. As long the transplants are kept evenly moist until regular rains start, the transplants will be much better established before the cold weather sets in.

Because Pacific Coast irises tend to be persnickety, we recommend that divisions be taken from the mother plant by gently pulling small groups of fans away at the base of the plant (never more than half the mother plant), and then planted in their new home. By leaving the mother plant somewhat undisturbed, you have a back-up in case the transplants fail to get established. Keep in mind that the "mother" plant will also experience some shock.

• Our goal for 2026 is to take photos during our digging and dividing so we can present a visual step-by-step guide here!