How to transplant irises?

Lift the plants and shake off the soil. Separate corms. With scissors, cut tops back to about eight inches (on the diagonal so they don't look quite so awful). Scoop out the dirt in the new location, form a little mound about the size of your fist, and drape the roots over it. Pull dirt up over the roots. You should end up with the corms on the surface, roots just buried, and leaves up in the air. Water well.