At 11:03 PM 10/25/2004, you wrote: >I just received two very small rhizomes of Iris unguicularis from an >internet mail order nursery. They were sent to me in a very dessicated >state. Is this typical for the species? Can I expect them to repsond to >planting and H20? > >Thanks, > >Steve What I consider "dryland" irises (such as bearded irises and some beardless species like Iris unguicularis) I have found to be VERY resilient to drying out. I would recommend against watering them when first planted. Too much moisture invites them to rot. I've lost a lot of bearded irises this way! My best results have come from just planting them in the ground and letting them get settled in with the natural rains. With that said, I don't know if you live in a place where you actually get natural rain this time of year. I know a lot of members here are from faraway places compared to my humble home in Cincinnati. So perhaps you can adjust my advice to your own situation. By the way, it's not normal for Iris unguicularis rhizomes to be desiccated. A healthy rhizome should have green leaves and be relatively hard (just like a fresh potato should be). I am fully confident yours will bounce back. Irises are very tough plants! Dennis in Cincy