OK, I've been reading assiduously about rot, which seems to be my problem here - there are no hollow rhizomes and it seems a little early for borers to have decimated the rhizomes as much as they are. I put my finger on the top of the rhizome and pushed and it just squirted out like a roasted garlic clove.

So - one clump I dug up yesterday, removed all softened tissue, soaked in 10% (or maybe weaker) bleach solution for about 20 minutes, and they're now drying in the sun. Now:

1. The fans that were left aren't that large - maybe 10" at best - must I clip them down before replanting or should I leave them on if they look healthy?

2. Think I can replant today, or must I wait a week?

3. I am soaking the area in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (diluted 1 to 10) - can I replant there, which is where I really want them, or must I move them to another location? If so, how far away is far enough?

4. Slightly off-topic, is it safe to let ground covers come right up to rhizomes?

Thanks for any suggestions - Cindy in Columbus