The bulbs might not do well there either. BTW, are you talking about bearded iris (there's also Louisiana and Siberian - and probably others - though the latter really has more roots than bulbs)? Bearded iris will do best with full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day. If they're near a curb, you might want to consider the potential effect of road salt & other chemicals, plus how wet the area is during snowmelt and rains; I think B.I. like it a little on the dry side or the bulbs rot.

How about some groundcovers or sedum?

Thanks Leaveswave, not sure what kind, I think BI because they are more bulb. Thought about ground cover not to crazy about that.