advise on planting

I just picked up some bearded iris bulbs. Do I prune off the dry roots before planting them or just leave them be? Cheers

If the roots are completely dried out, it really doesn't matter whether or not you prune them off. The rhizome will grow new roots once planted either way. I always leave roots on because it helps anchor the rhizome until new roots grow in.

It's mighty late to be planting bearded irises in zone 4b, I would think. Here in 3b, I try to get all beardeds in the ground by the end of July to give them enough time to root in before winter. If you have less than 6 weeks before your first anticipated frost, you might consider potting your new irises and overwintering them in sunny windows indoors.

Laurie

Thanks for the advise. They just arrived in store so I thought I would be ok. I am calling it close.

Hau