Tom Gauldin wrote:
We have about 20 very large plants that I've been told are Japanese Iris.
They are about 40" in diameter and about the same height, with grass-like
"spiked" leaves. In the spring and summer, they have a typical iris-like
yellow or lavender flower.
Here in Las Vegas, I don't know what to do with the foliage now that it's
approaching winter. Should I cut it back or just leave it? If cut back,
what would be a desirable length?
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Tom Gauldin, Las Vegas NV
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Hi Tom,
If the foliage isn't diseased, I'd wait until it dies in a frost to cut it
back. Then I'd trim it about 6 inches above the rhizome.
I'd ask some local yokels what they do. We always get cold enough here to
kill the leaves, then I trim it.
Does it freeze hard in Vegas? I happened to be out there in early December
a few years ago, and a freak snowstorm stopped traffic for a few hours.
I've got some photos of snow on the palm trees!
If you've got live foliage in late February, I'd consider trimming it back
to 6 inches, but again, I'd ask the locals.
Regards,
Diane
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Diane