How to Control an African Iris

Reaching heights of up to 4 feet, African irises feature sword-shaped leaves with a leathery feel. There are two blooms on the African iris -- a large gold and white bloom on the bottom and a smaller lavender bloom in the middle. Irises grow from a bulb and send rhizomes into the ground. Controlling the African irises can be a bit difficult. If all traces of the rhizomes are not removed, the irises will continue to grow.

Garden shovel or garden spade
Garbage bag
Small, hand-held garden shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the rhizomes by following the unwanted irises’ stalk to the ground. The rhizomes will grow just below or just above the surface soil.
- 2
  Place the edge of a garden shovel or spade 3 inches from the African iris stalk. Place a foot on the back of the shovel or spade and apply pressure to insert the edge of the shovel into the soil.
- 3
  Lift the flower, including the bulb and rhizomes. out of the ground and dispose of in a garbage bag.
- 4
  Remove lingering rhizomes from the soil where the African iris was, using a small, hand-held garden shovel. Place the lingering rhizomes into a garbage bag.
- 5
  Repeat the entire process until all of the unwanted African irises have been removed..

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