Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Wait until the leaves are completely brown and dry before trimming them. This allows the plant to store energy in its bulbs for next year.

Will my plant come back next year?

Yes, Dutchman's breeches are perennials that return every spring. Yellowing is just their way of saying goodbye until next season.

Dutchman's breeches: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the current season to see if summer heat is approaching.
Feel the soil to check if it is soggy or waterlogged.
Inspect the base of the plant for signs of rot.

Likely causes

Natural dormancy
Most likely
How to tell: The entire plant begins to yellow and fade as the weather warms up in late spring or early summer.
What to do: Do nothing, as this is the plant's normal life cycle. Simply let the foliage die back completely before removing it.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check if the soil is waterlogged. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.

Find out what's wrong with your dutchman's breeches

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant turns yellow early in the spring, it may be suffering from root rot. If it happens in late spring, it is likely just preparing for its summer nap.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in well draining soil and avoid keeping the ground constantly saturated during warmer weeks.

Keep your dutchman's breeches healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off yellow leaves?: Wait until the leaves are completely brown and dry before trimming them. This allows the plant to store energy in its bulbs for next year.
Will my plant come back next year?: Yes, Dutchman's breeches are perennials that return every spring. Yellowing is just their way of saying goodbye until next season.

Why are my Dutchman's breeches leaves turning yellow?