Why Are the tips turning brown on my iris leaves?
This is tricky. I would, first, check your soil for nutrient content and pH. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
If maintaining proper soil condition doesn't remedy the issue, then you can look for disease. Most can be cured with fungicides, but some will be harder to rid from the area.
This collection of articles will help you with most aspects of iris care and treatment, as well as offer much more information on the genus:
My fancy iris bulbs are being eaten by gophers that are all over the place. New exotic ones coming in need to be potted instead of ground planted. Can you give me information on type of pots and what to plant iris bulbs in?
Iris rhizomes rot very easily in pot culture. You must be careful not to overwater. If lots of rain is forecast, I would cover them. Also, make sure the soil is very well draining. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/potted-iris-care.htm
Many of the iris plants appear to be yellow and droopy. What should I do?
The first one is a daylily, rather than an iris. It appears to be due to a soil infection. This happens when soil remains too wet for too long without a dry out in between. I would make sure that the soil has a chance to dry out down to about 2 or 3 inches between watering for these plants. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/daylily/growing-daylilies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/iris-plant-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
What to do to ensure good and long flowering next year? I cannot send a photo now, but welcome succinct advice.
Unfortunately, without a photo it is hard to say what happened. It could be anything from insect damage, to infections, or even both! This could, even, be a feeding issue. It just depends on how the damage looks.
What I can do is offer articles that will help with common issues.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/growing-flag-iris-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Hello Gardening Know-How: Last fall I planted bearded iris bulbs in a well-drained spot in my garden, having first spread a thin layer of sand, in top soil mixed with a light application of bone meal and with store-bought compost. I planted so that the tops of the rhizomes get sun. The flowers were pretty but somewhat washed-out in colour. I watered every three days unless it rained, when I let the soil around the iris plants dry out a bit in-between watering. What is the best fertilizer for bearded iris, and what's a good schedule? Thank you very much, Melanie
Once they are established, bearded iris don't need a lot of water, in fact, rainwater is usually sufficient.
Fertilize in spring with a 10-10-10 fertilizer then again a month after bloom.
https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/bearded.html
https://www.irises.org/gardeners/care-classification/care/
For planting tomorrow
Just keep them inside or in the garage till you can plant them. Lay them flat, not touching, so they have good air flow.
of the rhizome with the cut exposed? Does that hurt the plant? Should the cut have time to heal over a bit before planting or can I plant at once. If so how long should I wait?
It is beneficial to allow the cut ends to heal after their bleach soak for a few hours before re-planting. The rhizomes do only need to soak for 30-60 minutes to kill off any borer larvae.
Thank you for your question and happy gardening!