These long-blooming, hardy perennials add color with their beautiful spring blooms and sword-like green foliage. Excellent cut flowers and perfect for the back border of your garden. Bearded Irises will not tolerate "wet feet" (too much water will cause the rhizomes to rot) and require very well-drained soil at all times of the year. Irises are generally heavy feeders and should be fertilized 3 times per year: first in the spring when new growth appears, second right after blooming, and third in the fall. When planting them for the first time or when transplanting, use a no-nitrogen fertilizer such as 0-10-10 worked into the soil.