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.