The timing of foliage removal for these herbaceous perennials is dependent on the plant’s stage of growth and the desired outcome. Premature removal can weaken the bulb, impacting subsequent flowering. Conversely, allowing the foliage to remain too long can increase the risk of disease.
Proper foliage management is essential for the plant’s long-term health and vigor. Allowing the leaves to naturally senesce (turn yellow and brown) facilitates the transfer of nutrients from the foliage back into the bulb, replenishing energy reserves for the following season’s growth and bloom. This process mirrors similar practices employed with other bulbous plants, such as tulips and daffodils, where foliage retention is recognized as crucial for future flower production.