Iris

[Tilly2]

What do you do with an Iris once it has finished flowering? Can I cut the leaves down or do I have to leave them?

[murraymints]

let them die down like you would daffs

[Tilly2]

Aw, Minty. They are messy!

[murraymints]

tie them then...neaten them in wee bunches ..but best left till the green goes brown....

[Tilly2]

O.K. Minty. Will do. Thank you.

[Clanad]

Don't trim iris leaves. Leaves carry on photosynthesis for next year's growth. After the bloom is complete, trim the flower stalk, petals and all down to the rhizome that should barely be in the ground. Leave the remaining foilage until frost to help prevent insect and fungii damage to the rhizome.

After 2 to 5 years, when clumps become congested or lose vitality, divide and replant sound rhizomes in fresh soil. The best time to replant iris' is soon after bloom. They should be planted in well worked soil (turned over with a potato fork to at least 10 inches in depth) and assure they aren't going to be ovreshadowed by other plants... a good Iris bed should consist of only Iris'...

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Clanad. I'll have to have a bit of a think about where best to put my bed. My irises are dotted around the garden. I need to gather them together.

[Robinia]

A bit late :)
Do you mean Dutch irises (bulbs) or bearded irises (rhizomes)?
Dutch leaves will die down very quickly, please don't tie them, or daffs, in bunches.
Bearded leaves can be trimmed to about 6" which helps avoid rocking in the wind if you're replanting...like this

http://www.planandplant.com/images/irisrhizome.jpg