Question
QUESTION: Hi Tom,

In the course of landscaping, I came across some irises that were a surprise.  They were dug up, by then.  Some of the bulbs were exposed and didn't appear to have leaves.  Other bulbs had leaves.  Others were still rooted in a big clump of soil about 1' sq, lots with leaves.  

These leaves are fairly thin, probably less than 1/2" wide.  The bulbs are pretty small, covered with a hairy outer skin like thin brown paper.

(To be honest, I'm not sure they're Irises, but i think so.)

I'm wondering how I can save these.  I believe bulbs are meant to be dug up in the fall, dried, and replanted.  I'm wondering what would be the best way to try to save them: soak them (they're VERY dry), or dry them, or plant them, or what?

I really appreciate your help with this.  Thanks!!

With Blessings,

erin

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ANSWER: Hi Erin,
Thanx for your question.  The bulbs you describe don't sound like irises, at least not German bearded or Siberian, which would be two common types in Canada.  It could be a species iris like Iris missouriensis which is common in Western Canada.  Anyway, here's a link to pictures of iris rhizomes (irises have rhizomes which are modified stems, rather than bulbs except for a few species of iris).

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=iris+rhizomes&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&a

You should be able to replant any of the rhizomes that are not soft and spongy (which are probably infested with iris borer or some other parasite or bacterial disease).  Discard the diseased/injured roots in the rubbish not the compost pile.  Don't soak them in water, just plant them.  If they are rhizomes, they need to be barely covered with soil about 8 inches apart to give plenty of room to grow.  Sprinkle some bonemeal on them and side dress them with well-composted cow or horse manure.  Water profusely and then once a week if no regular rain.  These plants are very resilient and should do nicely next year.  Sometimes, they will withhold blooming for one season as they acclimate themselves to their new surroundings.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Hi Tom,

Thanks for your answer!  The photo link was particularly helpful, since it helped me determine that these aren't irises.  ; )

They are definitely bulbs, not rhizomes: small, sort of onion-shaped, with a rough, papery outer skin.  the leaves come up pretty much like irises.  They are quite grass-like: flat and thin, tapering to a point, with a central vein running up the full length.  Does this help?  Maybe it's a form of daffodil or something?

I'd appreciate any help.  Thanks!!

With Blessings,

erin

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Answer
Hi Erin,
They sound like crocus corms and leaves.

Here is a link to pix of crocus corms (the term used botanically instead of bulbs)
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&um=1&sa=1&q=crocus+corms&btnG=Search+image

Go through this link and you will find many pics of crocus leaves which tend to be like grass blades with a thin, white stripe down their centers.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&um=1&sa=1&q=crocus+leaves&btnG=Search+imag

I hope this helps.
Tom