I20 Tall Bearded Iris 



that of some others (as, the finger-like ones of Victor- 

 ine). 



As to blooming size, see under Flower-Stem, page 

 126, When to Plant in Chapter VI, How to Plant in 

 same Chapter. 



The duration of the rhizome is indefinite — it may 

 extend to several years. It depends largely in each 

 instance upon the demands made by the rhizome's 

 branches, by which it usually is to a great extent 

 absorbed. See Figs. IX and XIII and the statements 

 accompanying them. 



Roots. — Shortly after a branch or new rhizome 

 starts it begins to send out roots. They usually 

 grow from the under surface of the rhizome, down- 

 ward and outward, and if uninjured do not branch, 

 and usually do not to any great extent form rootlets 

 until after they have attained their full length. 



When a rhizome is transplanted it is sometimes 

 advisable to shorten its roots (see under How to Plant 

 in Chapter VI). If the planting is done while the 

 shortened roots are plump and in good, fresh con- 

 dition, though they will not afterwards increase in 

 length they will sometimes send out numerous rootlets, 

 mostly from near the end, some of which, having 

 size like branches, will reach as great length as the 

 roots would have attained if the rhizome had not been 

 disturbed. The plant shown in Fig. XIV was trans- 

 planted in May, 1921, after each of three of its roots 



