They are the most bizarre looking things aren't they! The first time I received some with roots like that I thought they looked like these flying alien brain suckers from an old B sci fi movie I saw as a kid, LOL. I believe they are classified as a tuber. I purchased some from a Dutch source once and as you mentioned, all the roots were cut off, and not one survived or sprouted. I think that has something to do with frequent reports of failures with Dutch plants I've heard of. They behave the same way here, even if we do have a rainy summer, they dry up and go dormant after bloom.
Lisa, last year I had asked your advice about moving one in spring. I was careful and didn't damage it much when I dug it, and moved it directly to its new spot. It bloomed, but was a little stunted and seems to be fine. Which brings me to another question for you, how often do they need to be divided? I have some Spring Valley Hybrids that are doing really well; I've had them 4 or 5 years now. Some have 5 or more crowns emerging, and I'm wondering if crowding diminishes them? Thinking they may need some attention after blooming this year.
