One of the visual problems with spring
bulbs is the foliage that remains
after bloom. The foliage can become unsightly after
the beauty of the flower is gone. However, foliage should not be
mowed off until it turns
yellow and dies back naturally.
The foliage on the smaller bulbs such as snowdrops will die back
rapidly and cause little problem. The foliage
on the larger bulbs liketulips
and daffodilswill take several
weeks to die back. Keep in mind that after flowering, the plant
needs the green leaves to
manufacture food (photosynthesis) that is stored in the bulb for
next year's growth. If
you mow or remove the foliage too early, the plant can no longer
manufacture nutrient
reserves for next year. This results in a small, weak bulb which
will gradually decline and
die out.
There are several ways to divert attention from the yellowing bulb
foliage. Interplant the
bulbs in the spring using one or two colours of annuals. Place
bulbs behind the plants on
the front edge of a border planting. Plant taller flowering bulbs
behind lower growing
foreground shrubs. Plant
bulbs with groundcovers and perennials
like hosta or daylilies.
Use your imagination
when it comes to
planting your bulbs and you can get creative enough to hide the
dying foliage.