It is naturally tempting to clear away the messy, yellowing leaves of bulbs once their blossoms have faded, but rushing to tidy up can significantly weaken the plant. The foliage needs to remain intact so it can channel energy back into the bulb, ensuring a vibrant display for the following spring.

If you find the sight of decaying stems and leaves too unsightly for your main flower beds, a practical solution is to carefully lift the entire plant—roots, bulb, and all—and move it into a temporary container. This allows the dying greenery to complete its natural cycle in a less prominent, sunny corner of the garden without cluttering your prime viewing areas.

Once the leaves have completely withered and turned brown, the bulbs can be safely tucked away in their pots for the summer months. During this dormant period, they don’t mind a bit of neglect; in fact, letting them dry out entirely is often better than risking them sitting in waterlogged soil. Simply keep the pots in a sheltered spot where they won’t get soaked by heavy rain, and they will be perfectly primed and ready to be returned to the garden soil come autumn.