How do you care for bearded irises after they are done blooming?

Question:

How do you care for bearded irises after they are done blooming?

Answer:

As soon as bearded irises are done blooming, remove the spent flowers.  Removal of the spent flowers improves the appearance of the plants and prevents seed pod formation.  Bearded irises require little care during the summer months.  In late fall or early spring, remove the dead iris foliage.  This helps to control leaf spot and iris borer.  To prevent overcrowding, bearded irises should be divided every 3 to 5 years in July or August.