How to prune fritillaria imperialis 'lutea'

Deadhead in mid-spring after flowering; allow foliage to die back naturally by early to midsummer. Cut the spent flower head and any developing seed capsules off the top of the stem cleanly. Leave the rest of the stem and all foliage to die back completely before removing.

Once per season. Crown imperial fritillaries need minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flower crowns after blooming in mid-spring to prevent seed set and direct energy back to the large bulb. Allow all foliage to die back naturally — typically by early summer. Do not cut green stems or leaves early, as the plant needs them to rebuild its bulb for next year.

Cut the spent flower head and any developing seed capsules off the top of the stem cleanly. Leave the rest of the stem and all foliage to die back completely before removing.