Check the FAQs (link at top of forum page). There is one that addresses the various causes of non-bloom in bearded irises.

Laurie

Sounds like they may be overcrowded.

Mike

It sounds like you may have two problems: overcrowding for sure and perhaps not enough light. First, lift those rhizomes and hose them down so that you can quickly identify the strongest and most healthy sections. Cut these off and dispose of the rest. Now replant. I suggest that you plant some pieces in the current location and some other pieces in a more sunny location. Then you will be able to see if a sunnier spot helps them bloom better.

Thanks for the help! IÂm not sure about the overcrowding as there is nothing else growing there except the bushes. They have spread out but there is lots of room between each plant.

I wonder if the soil is playing a role as well. The soil in this area was never amended. Right after moving here 20 years ago we had to get the shrubs in the yard planted right away before fall. Soil is/was builderÂs top soil with clay 8 inches down (and rubble, from what we encountered whenever we dug deeply).

I will try moving some to an area with better light and see what happens. If they are not going to bloom, when should they be moved?

Since no one else is responding I would say, anytime. Move them to well amended soil and you may get a stray bloom. diene