Every spring, I look forward to seeing my hyacinths bloom—it’s one of those simple garden pleasures that never gets old. I still remember the first time I planted them; I had no idea what I was doing, but when those fragrant, colorful flower spikes burst out of the soil, I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes with these beautiful plants, especially once the blooms faded.
In the beginning, I used to think that once the flowers were gone, the plant was finished. I’d either cut everything back too early or dig them up without much thought, only to be disappointed the following year when they didn’t return. But through trial and error—and a bit of research—I’ve learned that what you do after the hyacinths bloom is just as important as what you do before. If you want those gorgeous flowers to come back each spring, the post-bloom care really makes all the difference. Let me share what I’ve learned from experience, so you can enjoy your hyacinths year after year too.
What can you do when hyacinths have finished blooming? If you follow these care tips, you can look forward to a fresh burst of flowers next spring.
When hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) finish blooming in summer, they don’t need to be thrown away. With the right care, these perennial bulb plants can bloom again the following spring with their fragrant flower spikes. Here’s what to do after the flowering season ends.
Contents
Properly Cutting Back Withered Hyacinths
Bulb plants like hyacinths go dormant after flowering, meaning their foliage wilts and turns yellow. The flower stalks slowly dry out while seeds begin to develop. During this time, hyacinths often produce offset bulbs (bulblets). Whether in a flowerbed or a pot, the wilting may not look attractive—but it’s important not to remove the leaves too early. Growth and flowering draw heavily on the energy stored in the bulb, and to prepare for the next bloom, the plant needs to replenish those nutrients. This is only possible if you leave the remaining green foliage intact. So don’t cut the leaves until they have turned yellow.
As for the faded flower stalks, you should remove them before seed development begins. Producing seeds drains too much energy from the plant. With highly cultivated varieties, any seedlings wouldn’t resemble the parent plant anyway. In the case of wild hyacinths, you may allow them to self-seed if desired, but this method of propagation takes quite a long time. When removing flower stalks, don’t cut them all the way to the ground—leave at least a third of the stalk in place.
Proper Storage After Blooming
If your withered hyacinths can’t remain in the flowerbed—perhaps because you plan to plant summer flowers in their place—they’ll need to be dug up and stored elsewhere after flowering. This can be done even if the foliage hasn’t fully turned yellow. Carefully dig up the bulbs, remove any large clumps of soil, and let the plants dry thoroughly. Once dried, trim off the withered foliage and store the bulbs loosely in wooden crates. Keep them in a dry, dark, and cool place over the summer.
Important: Sort out and discard any damaged bulbs to prevent the spread of disease. In autumn, replant the hyacinths in well-prepared, well-drained soil. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant blooms again next spring.
Final thoughts
Over the years, taking care of my hyacinths after they’ve bloomed has become more than just a gardening task—it feels almost like a quiet ritual. There’s something comforting about letting nature take its course, watching the vibrant blooms fade, and knowing that with just a little patience and the right care, they’ll be back even stronger next year. I’ve learned to appreciate those in-between moments in the garden, the less glamorous stages that often go unnoticed but are vital for healthy growth. There were times when I was tempted to tidy things up too quickly—cutting off green leaves or tossing bulbs that looked tired—but every mistake taught me something. Now, I see the fading of the flowers not as an end, but as a transition, a signal to start prepping for the next season’s display. And every spring when the hyacinths return, it feels like a small personal reward for respecting the rhythm of the plants and giving them what they need, even when they’re not putting on a show. If you take a little time to care for your hyacinths after they bloom, I promise you—those few quiet efforts will come back to greet you in color and fragrance when you need it most.
