And here in KY they are going to look worse before they get better. There is usually signs of growth in a couple of weeks, but then the real heat hits. I've thought some wouldn't make it, then fall & cooler weather comes around & they green up nicely.

Thanks so much, both of you.

When I got my mail order irises last summer/fall they looked just as you said about your new rhizomes. The first season it's all about getting roots established for good growth the following bloom season. Surely by next spring you'll have nice looking growth on your new plantings.

Mine haven't even change much..of course with lots of rains the last couple of months I'm hoping none got roots rot...Thanks for my gift from Nancy !

I agree with everything said about how Irises look when they arrive, and that they usually appear beautifully the following year (after greening a little in the late summer, early fall. The only caveat I would add is that if you are in a zone ( I don't think irisgal is) where frost is likely in the fall and early spring, keep an eye on the new rhizomes. Some of them get heaved and need to have soil added around their roots to keep them safe. They will return with splendour... and then you can start to battle the dreaded borer LOL.

I'm getting some new growth on the dwarf and miniatures that have arrived and been in the ground a few weeks now- the bulk of the TB's haven't begun arriving yet.

Follow-up question: If all the old leaves are dried up and shriveled is there still hope for rhizome? Or do I need at least one green leaf on a new transplant for it to be worth trying?

As long as the rhizome itself does not rot, there is a chance. Don't expect bloom though, for a couple of years. Well, I take that back, I don't know about dwarf & miniature varieties, they might bloom faster.