skip to main content

Perennials Bulbs

So when can I safely cut back the leaves?

rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I know this gets asked each season but it is only this year that it really matters to me :).

Last September I removed 4 full grown CAMPFIRE roses (too big and too Japanese Beetleee ;)).

At that same time I replaced the roses them with the perennial rudbeckia LITTLE GOLDSTAR:

Also that Fall I planted a mix of red and white tulips above and below the arc of the LGoldstars

Here they are as of May 27 2019 (you can spot the LGoldstars down the middle):

And as of today I have cut back all the tulip flower stems leaving only the leaves and have planted in between, pink and white geraniums.

Given that the tulips were in full bloom as of May 27, what do you advise as to when I can safely cut back the tulip leaves knowing that the bulbs have taken in enough nutrients giving them the most chance of returning next spring. (I think 6 weeks is the rule of thumb but is that counted from...when the tulips are in full bloom or.....?)

Thanks for your help and experience.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

a1an
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Heh. I'm playing the waiting game as well. I snuck some of my annuals in here and there and figured by the time they get established, the leaves will be close to browning out. Some of those said annuals have been blooming their heads off, so I'm getting antsy on removing the bulb foliage. I recall the 6 week rule too and technically EOW would be 6 weeks for me. I'm erring on the side of *more food for bulbs* and might push off the leaf culling to next weekend.
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a) thanked a1an
User
4 years ago
You could always do the traditional thing of simply lifting them, shaking off the soil, temporarily heeling them in until the leaves have finished (and this is much quicker than waiting for narcissus foliage). You could just cram them into loose soil in an old box, let them die back then them until autumn. I have done this in a few beds which have been invaded by couch and creeping buttercup...and as yours, Rouge, are already easily accessed, so doable.
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a) thanked User
Related Discussions
when to cut back a cut back spike
Q
Comments (2)
Generally the advice is to cut the spikes off at the base on complex hybrids. But seeing this orchid is half violacea the best thing to do is to let the plant do its thing. You will know when to cut the spike down to the base when the spikes become unsightly with many flower scars and are no longer things of beauty. Just wondering how this orchid will turn out because the parents of Cassandra are equestris and stuartiana. I cut the spikes down to the base on equestris and do not cut the stalled spikes on violacea because the plant will flower again from stalled spikes in my conditions when summer arrives. Do not know anything about stuartiana. No doubt someone will come up will the usual if its brown cut it down stuff which probably applies in this case but doesn't apply to many hybrids.
...See More
When can I cut back sedum
Q
Comments (4)
I would be careful with just pulling the stems up. I know I have personally yanked up some of the rosettes by doing so. I agree that you can cut them back any time you want unless it is getting near the bloom time. Any cuttings you take during the growing season root with no trouble. All the sedums I have were obtained by taking cuttings of some in various friends' gardens. I generally leave about an inch or so of the old stems because I generally use hedge clippers to clip mine back. The stem portions left generally fall off when the plants start spring growth.
...See More
If I want columbine to re-seed, when can I cut it back?
Q
Comments (15)
Not sure this is the right place for my question but since columbine seem to be the topic here I thought I might give it a try. I, unlike Jayco, do not want my columbine to re-seed. It has taken over the place. It is blooming right now and today I pulled up a couple wheel barrels full of columbine. My question is, looking at all that I thought it would make for a great mulch in some other areas of the place but I don't know if since it is already blooming if it will just go to seed any way and end up spreading even more. Like a dandelion bloom if you pick the flower and drop it, it will make seed even after being picked. Chances are the columbine have been pollinated. I appreciate any help. Mashell
...See More
Can you successfully/safely cut back and shorten the tubers?
Q
Comments (1)
I cut off close to a third of some of mine last year and they did just fine. It was my first time cutting them down, so I was nervous about it. I wouldnt worry about centering them in the pot, you are going to be taking them out of it anyway to plant them. I just nestled them into the soil for the first few days after cutting them , and then buried them deeper after the ends had a chance to dry out a bit.
...See More

Related Stories

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?

If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations

HOUSEKEEPING Another Independence Day: When Kids Can Do Their Laundry

By Alison Hodgson

Set yourself free and give your child a valuable life skill at the same time

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

LAUNDRY ROOMS Where Can I Hide My Laundry Area?

By Melanie Gardener

It’s a case of now you see it, now you don’t with these 10 clever ways of fitting in a laundry zone

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe

By Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Choose fire-resistant plants and materials and create defensible areas using these design strategies

LIFE You Said It: ‘I’m Never Leaving’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

DECORATING GUIDES The '70s Are Back. Can Ya Dig It?

By Becky Harris

No need to cringe. These 21 groovy blasts from the past are updated to look fabulous today

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

Sponsored

Remodel Repair Construction

9 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Westerville

More Discussions

Your first perennial(s) planted in 2024?

29

Super dark daylilies??

5

Verbascum phoeniceum 'White Bride' issues?

2

Weed, or coneflower appendage?

6

Corydalis Noblis

3