Re: CULT: rhizome shape

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> > 
>    V. sez:
>    The rhizome shape is at least partly dependent on the
> soil. I have heavy clay, and my rhizomes are small and
> round. I have given some of the same cultivars to someone
> in the NJ Pine Barrens (sand), and their rhizomes did have
> the elongated shape you mentioned, even though they never
> did here.
> 
	You can make your irises show 'elephant trunk noses' if you plant the
rhizomes on ridges and irrigate between the ridges like Ben Hager 
did and also Keith Keppel when he lived in CA.  The appearance of 
the 'elephant trunk' makes me think the rhizomes were seeking the 
moisture level and grew toward it.  Sometimes, Schreiner's 
rhizomes look that way.

	Also, if you plant on the top of the ground like many people do 
here, you get a flatter rhizome with an upward pointing toe/nose.  A 
risk in top planting is that sudden cold snaps (fall or spring) can kill 
the plant.  I put a little dirt cover on my rhizomes.

	Irises planted in hard, black gumbo are long and slender.  I 
have never seen a fat one coming from black gumbo.  These 
rhizomes resemble ginger roots but the skin is darker.

	Walter Moores
	Enid Lake, MS 7/8
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