Allium
Add Bold Color and Texture to Your Garden with Allium
There are hundreds of Allium varieties, but only a select few are commonly grown in home gardens. Alliums are related to familiar edible plants like onions, leeks, shallots and chives.
While ornamental alliums are not meant to be eaten, they stand out in the garden thanks to their unique colors, globe-shaped clusters of tiny flowers and tall, eye-catching stems.
Alliums are popular for both landscaping and cut flower arrangements. Their lightly fragrant blooms create dramatic garden displays and they are also resistant to rabbits, squirrels and deer. Many gardeners are especially drawn to the larger, giant allium varieties for their bold appearance.
Most alliums bloom in late spring, adding beautiful color to gardens between the fading tulip season and the start of summer bloomers like dahlias, cannas and gladiolus. For the best visual impact, plant alliums behind low-growing annuals and perennials to create height and dimension in your flower beds.
Care and Planting Tips
Growing alliums is simple with a few basic guidelines:
- Plant bulbs in the fall.
- Choose a location with full sun.
- Use well-drained soil. Alliums tolerate drought once established.
- Hardy in zones 2 through 10.
- Expect blooms from late spring to early summer.
Popular Allium Varieties
Allium Blue (Allium caeruleum)
True blue flowers are rare, which makes this variety especially unique. Allium Blue produces deep, clear blue blooms that add striking color to landscapes and floral arrangements. It works well in containers, borders, mass plantings and cut flower gardens. The fragrant blooms make it a standout addition to any garden.
Allium Gladiator
This giant allium produces classic purple blooms measuring 7 to 8 inches wide on stems that can reach about 36 inches tall. Plant bulbs in small groups of three or four for the best display. The blooms stay attractive for weeks in both garden beds and floral arrangements, even as the color begins to fade.
Allium Globemaster
One of the most popular varieties, Globemaster produces large, silvery-purple flower heads that can reach up to 10 inches across. The blooms sit on sturdy 3-foot stems and last for several weeks in late spring and early summer. The foliage typically remains attractive while the plant is in bloom.
Allium Purple Sensation
Often considered the variety that sparked modern interest in alliums, Purple Sensation features globe-shaped blooms made up of over 100 tiny flowers. The large purple flower heads sit on strong stems and create a bold focal point. Planting in groups of ten or more creates a dramatic display.
Allium Schubertii
One of the most unusual and striking alliums, Schubertii produces large, starburst-shaped blooms measuring 12 to 15 inches across. The flowers grow on shorter but sturdy stems and are excellent for ornamental use and cut flower arrangements. For maximum impact, plant them in large clusters.
Alliums are a simple way to add structure, color and interest to spring and early summer gardens. With their bold blooms, easy care and resistance to common garden pests, they are a reliable and beautiful choice for gardeners of all experience levels.