How long to cut flower stems?

How do I divide iris rhizomes? Is it too late? Will they flower next yr if I didn't cut off stems w/blossoms?

• I live in California zone 9. I'm pretty sure I need to divide them cuz they look too crowded. Also, I didn't cut off the flowering stems this year (too busy and forgot!), so i suppose the energy went to seeds instead of the rhizomes... will they flower again next year? If not, then what happens--will it flower the year after then? Thanks!

• Answer:

  You're not too late. Dividing Iris rhizomes follows the same time-line as in first time planting: "The best time to plant iris is late summer through early fall. We recommend planting from August 1st until Mid-October depending on your location. Those in more southern climates can usually plant up to early November." http://goodthymesgardens.com/iris_care.html They may bloom next year but usually, after dividing, "they need a year to rebuild carbs for flowering". When you divide your Iris, cut off the dried up stems & tidy up the leaves now. Some people like to trim the Iris into a fan shape for air circulation & so the sun can shine on the rhizomes. "They should be cut, trimmed and free of any weedy rhizomes, such as quackgrass or thistle, and then set into the new location as soon as possible. Plant just below the soil surface and water in." http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/flowers/iris.htm Good luck! Hope this is helpful.