To cover Rhizomes or not in summer heat

Hello,

Okay, I have planted bearded iris rhizomes and I have a question - Do I need to leave the rhizomes uncovered at the top? I have read conflicting reports because some say if you have intense summers to lightly cover it to prevent damage. So what should I do? Our summers can easily hit 100+ degrees for several weeks. Also, if I should cover them - how much? Then should I uncover when it actually rains here so it does not rot? Thanks for your time and help.
Dana

I advice my customers in the southern hot states to cover the rhizomes about 1" and they do bloom...

D

Thank you, I just do not want to do all this work and get these beautiful flowers and kill them. I was thinking of using maybe a high rate potting soil on top so it will not hold all the moisture like the clay soil does - so they do not rot. They are planted in a mixture of black top soil and clay - that is all we have around here. I just make sure I hold water back so it does not stay soggy.

Thanks,
Dana

try covering them with sand if it's available