Leucojum

Good morning, I have had a wonderful show of my Snowflakes (Leucojum) this year and was wondering what the current theory is with regard to the leaves following flowering. Do I let them brown off, do I cut them off when green, do I tie them in a knot or do I lift the bulbs? I am in Sydney. Ron

HI Ron - the best idea is just to let them die down naturally - don"t cut them off and don"t tie in a knot. This is a good time to fertilise them if you have time. Deirdre

Thanks Deirdre, I"m never quite sure what the experts are advising!! Regards, Ron

The same advice applies to all winter-spring flowering bulbs as apparently they store food for next year"s flowers during the period when the leaves are dying down. I guess that is why feeding the foliage now helps in this process. Great that you had such a good display this year. Deirdre

I know I am naughty saying this............but I often tie the leaves of my bulbs in a knot when they start to get tired and flop everywhere. It just drives me crazy when they all lay over other plants trying to break dormancy & it makes the new plants grow on funny angles, some bulb leaves are just plain thuggish & untidy. I have never experienced any problems with doing this, my bulbs always flower the following year. I blame my Granny for this habit, she used to do this in her garden when I was little.......I am not advising that anyone do this though:-) Lynn