Yes, staking is commonly required with tall bearded irises, particularly after inclement weather and particularly with irises that have not been in the ground long enough to develop larger clumps with more stable root systems.. Do not plant deeper. If beardeds are planted too deeply, they will refuse to bloom.

Laurie

Some I HAVE to stake, some not ever. I have a few historics that are quite long and leggy and snap at the slightest windy day. Those get staked first.

Some of my taller ones need staked or they end up falling over.

Shadow

I'm beginning to notice that with mine...one bearded type in particular has a very large flower. It hasn't snapped but is sure leaning forward!

Vera

The only time that I have ever had to stake iris was when they weren't getting enough sun. We get a tremendous amount of wind at our place, rain, just almost tornadic type winds. Since I have planted them where they get full sun ALL DAY, I have not had to stake them! I have not lost a single bloom to wind, storm, or anything else!

I have to stake alot of iris every year, but the ones that get staked are the more modern ones; those that have large heavy blooms, many to the stem. Pallida types (old blues) never need staking, and if you hate to stake, get IB's or other medians because you never need to stake them.
Laetitia