Allium Bulbs

Alliums: Advice On How To Grow Them (And Why!)

If you’ll pardon the pun, this bulb flower has a real way of growing on you; it produces medium-to-tall upright stalks ending in a bold globe of fluffy-looking florets in a rich violet colour (though several species have lighter lilac petals). These punchy, purple pom-poms have a real way of drawing the eye - as such, you’re best scattering them evenly throughout a sunny border or a tall, grassy meadow. They’re also excellent cut flowers!

Fun Facts

The ornamental allium symbolises unity and patience. Fitting, as it grows dozens of florets in one bulb. In fact, the word “onion” is derived from the latin word unio, as in union!

There aren’t many myths surrounding onions, as you may expect from a plant most commonly seen in the kitchen; however, there are some myths linking them to the magic of tears and the importance of emotional release.

How to grow

Alliums are best planted early-to-mid autumn, and typically flower from May to June. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight - be wary of cold or wet conditions where the bulbs may rot. Their tall, upright stems also require protection from the wind.

Smaller species of allium should be planted roughly 10cm apart; taller species require 20cm between each bulb. Alternatively, they can be planted in containers.

Alliums are tolerant to drought and dislike being watered in the summer. Alliums grown in containers will need regular watering, but take care that they don’t get too damp.

Alliums have sparse foliage at the base that will begin to die at flowering time. You can cover these up with lower-growing flowers, or remove them to no ill effect.

Species & Styles

Popular allium species include Gladiator and Giganteum: these are formidable flowers in terms of size alone, with their flower heads growing 10-25cm across! Similarly, the well-named Mount Everest is one of the taller allium species at an average of 90cm tall.

Thinking about mixing and contrasting colours? The more popular varieties are iris purple, but there are plenty of others: the aforementioned ‘Mount Everest’ breed, as well as the smaller Graceful’ Beauty breed, both have a pale silver-lilac colouration. The later-blooming Allium atropurpureum and Allium sphaerocephalon have smaller, denser flower heads that bloom in a richer magenta (and the latter is accented with green).

Bright orange and yellow plants lend themselves to an eye-catching, summery effect. For a softer look, try a pale white or pink plant, or a plant with silver foliage.