Question
Due to a recent bad hailstorm her in the Chicago area (Zone 5), We have some major repairs to do to the exterior of our home.  I need to move a large siberian iris "Steve" , but I am not sure how or when to do it.  It has been growing for 2 years and is now a rather large clump.  I have a huge pot that I could put it in while the repairs are being made.  The pot is 8 inches in diameter larger than the plant and is about 20 inches deep. What are my chances for it's survival.  If I do nothing, it will be destroyed anyway, so I'd at least like to try to save it since it is the most beautiful dark blue.
Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer
Hi Patricia,
Thanx for your question.  There should be no problem moving the Siberian now.  Late summer early autumn is best but I have moved them throughout the growing season without losing any of them.  Dig deep and in a circle (I use a pitchfork)about 6 inches away from the clump.  Make sure you have enough soil in the pot when you transfer the clump (shake off most of the dirt).  Be sure to transplant the Siberians 45 days before the first frost.  I would divide them if I were you.  This is fairly easy.  Just pull pieces of the plant apart making sure there is plenty of a root system for each piece.  You may need a sharp knife to cut up the separate clumps more easily.  I would take pieces with a root system about the size of the palm of your hand and with at least 3 leaves.  I hope this helps.
Tom