Orangedragonfly:
You may not get iris bloom this year; you may have planted them too late, or too deeply, or if the iris had not been divided in many years and were stressed it takes a year to recuperate. But even under the best of circumstances many will not bloom the first year. Make sure you have provided them a good place to bloom so that next year you will have some..
Here are some hints to insure good bloom:
1. Is there enough sun? Semi shade will allow the plants to grow but the bloom will be poor.
2. Enough space between plants? They say leave a foot and a half, which for an iris addict may be too much space; but they should have at least 8" around them to spread out.
3. Is your soil in good condition? When you planted did you spade deeply and add amendments (compost, sand, etc) depending on the condition of your soil? You might want to fertilize this Spring to boost growth for next year if your soil is poor.
4. Is there proper drainage? This is so critical for bearded iris. Without correct drainage the iris will rot. It would appear since your iris fans are healthy you may not have this problem, but it is still worth mentioning.
5. Do you live in borer country? Don't know where you are located, but if you are in the northeast to midwest and mid south, you need to be on the lookout for these devastating pests. If you are in this area and need more information write back.
Laetitia

thank you for the info. Unfortunatly when I put them in the ground that is all I did. I didnt put any compost or anything in with them. although I did use garden soil instead of the soil that came out of the hole. I know when my mother had them I can almost guarentee she didnt divide them. They do get semi sun, not full sun all day. it is late day sun, the sun hits it from 2pm on.
I live in North shore Massachusetts