My experience with perennials here in Texas is that they have their green tops way longer than their counterparts in the north. I defolliate plant tops regularly. After July 4, I take most of the green off my TB iris with scissors. Most of the tops are no longer straight and start bending. The plant does not have to stress trying to keep all those leaves hydrated. I leave a few inches of green.
What I would suggest is lightly tugging each rhizome to make sure it is still rooted in place. If not I would suggest potting it for 6 to 8 weeks or take a large landscape staple (bend it to go over the rhizome) to hold it in place. Remove the staple in 6 to 8 weeks. Those suggestions are just so squirrels or other 4 legged animals do not keep moving or running off with them.
May happiness be in your home!
