I have some tough old purple irises that grow in full dry shade. The only reason they didn't bloom this year is that I didn't get up on the slope and brush off the pine needles covering the rhizomes. I've got the same irises growing under and old maple tree out in front of the house. I don't divide them. They have gotten watered every week for the last couple of years because I am having to water my trees for the first time due to the drought. I like my maple tree, so it gets watered ...
It doesn't seem to have set these old irises back a bit. They probably haven't spread much due to the root competition from the tree.
The irises on the slope never get supplemental water and bloom reliably, if I remember to remove the pine needles.
I don't want bearded irises in this garden, so I am happy to give the slope irises away. However, we are in a period of high summer temps and I won't be taking on the project of digging up the irises as long as it is this hot. If I can dig them up at a later date and ship them to you. You can have them for postage.
Of course, since I don't know much about irises, I'd like to have some information about how to prepare them for shipping and when I can ship them.
btw .. I do love my Dutch irises and would love to have some clumping irises in this garden. I just am not fond of the tall bearded irises in this garden.
I do grow a lot of roses and they are not a lot of work. They just need a deep watering once a week.
Smiles,
Lyn
