Do Spring Bulbs Still Need Care After They Bloom?

Significance of Foliage

• Regardless of spring-flowering bulb species, the foliage that remains after flowering makes food to replenish the bulbs. If leaves are cut off, the bulbs weaken and likely won't return next spring with a vigorous flower display, if at all. Supplement rainfall to keep soil moist, but never soggy, for the plants to remain green.

Optional Tidying

• Gardeners may choose to tidy up plants, such as cutting off old stems and removing seed pods so plant energy goes into the bulbs, not into making seeds. Don't tie up, bundle or braid foliage since it limits absorption of sunlight to make food for the plant. Once the foliage yellows, however, you can cut it off at ground level. Do not pull up leaves, as you could damage the underground bulbs and roots.

Exceptions

• In regions where a spring-flowering bulb doesn't persist well, such as hybrid tulips in the South, dig up and discard the plant and bulb after flowering ends. Lift the bulbs up as you remove spring bedding plants and clean the planting bed in preparation for planting new spring flowers.