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Question: This is the second year I’ve had iris. Last year some bloomed and others did not. This year, most of those that bloomed last year failed to flower while all those that didn’t bloom last year flowered. Those that did not bloom made beautiful foliage. There is no evidence of disease or insects; the soil is sandy loam with some clay mixed in; they are in full sun and get watered like the rest of the garden. Shall I transplant those that bloomed or should I leave them alone and transplant those that did not bloom? Or, should I take the whole lot out and plant something else in their place for a year or two? What do you advise: to leave them alone and wait another year or throw them all out and start over with other kinds in the same bed? LP, New Jersey

Answer: Since all your iris have flowered at least once in the two years you have had them, and all seem healthy, I would be inclined to suggest that you leave them alone for another year and give them a good sprinkling of honemeal in the meantime. Next year, if the growth is crowded, dig them up and divide them after the flowering season. It will be strange, indeed, if they follow their alternate flowering another year.