Do I leave my Siberian iris alone through the winter, then cut them back in the spring when new growth starts to show, as I’ve done in the past, or do I cut them back now? My neighbor has had hers cut back for months now and insists her way is best…
According to the book The Siberian Iris, by Currier McEwen, 1996, you should
“allow leaves to remain on the plants as long as they are green and adding energy to the plant through photosynthesis. When they turn brown in the fall, cut them off as low as possible and burn them.* It is risky to add them to the compost pile, as they may carry fungal spores, insect eggs, and other disease agents.
*Or put them in your trash (in a sealed bag).