Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Wait until they are completely brown and dry. Cutting them too early prevents the bulb from storing the energy it needs to bloom again next spring.

Does yellowing mean my bulb is dead?

Not necessarily. If it happens after the flowers fade, it is just the plant going to sleep for the summer.

Common grape hyacinth: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the current season to see if the plant is naturally dying back.
Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or waterlogged.
Inspect the base of the leaves for signs of mushiness.

Likely causes

Natural Dormancy
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wither after the plant has finished blooming in late spring. This is a normal part of the bulb life cycle.
What to do: Allow the foliage to turn completely yellow and brown before you trim it back. This lets the bulb store energy for next year. Once the leaves are fully dry, you can snip them off at the base.
Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and mushy, often starting near the base of the plant. You might notice a damp or musty smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the soil drainage. If the soil is waterlogged, gently dig up the bulbs and replant them in a well draining mix. Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common grape hyacinth

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

It is normal for leaves to yellow after flowering. You should only worry if the leaves yellow while the plant is still actively growing or blooming.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your bulbs in loose, sandy soil that drains quickly to prevent moisture from sitting around the roots.

Common grape hyacinth: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common grape hyacinth and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off yellow leaves?: Wait until they are completely brown and dry. Cutting them too early prevents the bulb from storing the energy it needs to bloom again next spring.
Does yellowing mean my bulb is dead?: Not necessarily. If it happens after the flowers fade, it is just the plant going to sleep for the summer.

Why are my grape hyacinth leaves turning yellow?