Most iris need at least 4 hours of direct sun a day. Some of the older ones will bloom almost anywhere. Lee Mincy

Iris Japonica, tectorum, cristata (all crested irises) will do very well in partial shade, as will the pacific coast species and hybrids. Iris foetedissima will grow in deep dry shade, but is not very interesting in bloom. The variegated I. foetedissima has interesting foliage.
Cheers, Jan in Aus.

You'll get much better bloom if you can plant in nearly full sun.
The most frequent question I get is "why aren't they blooming?", and I ask if they're in partial shade... which often they are. I always suggest moving into more sun.

Iris pallida will bloom very well. Small fragrant lavender-blue flowers and tall upright foliage.

I have a lot of shade too--the solution is to plant nice things that will like shade. If you do have any sunny spots, save those for the iris.

Shade-- google "shade perennials" & you will get a good start--but there are astilbe (like moisture), bleeding hearts -- and those come in several varieties & colors, hostas of course, tricyrtis, solomons seal, liriope tolerates shade well--- just as a start -- and you can fill less colorful spots with some shade loving annuals such as impatiens.