Bearded Iris

Question from Kathy:
I have is relative to the bearded iris. I have some lovely gold ones and I just reread what to do after they bloom in your book. Do they require much water and also do you ever fertilize them? I usually put down the organic fertilizer three times a year and just wondered if that is enough or too much for them. I have one bunch of gold ones that only bloomed twice and not this year so I guess I will dig them up at the end of June and try doing what you said in your book.

Anyway, you were wonderful to reply to me and my problem and I will later on let you know how I make out.
Regards, Kathy

Answer from Pat:
Bearded iris are not drought-resistant plants. They need regular irrigation and full sun. Sometimes when iris stop blooming it is because they have insufficient water or fertilizer, but nine times out of ten it is because they were once in full sun and now are in full shade or have not been divided for many years. See the June chapter of my book for instructions on how to divide and replant bearded iris.