Allium — the ornamental onion with spectacular flower globes

Allium (ornamental onion) is the most spectacular bulb of late spring: large, perfectly spherical flower globes perched at the top of tall bare stems, like fireworks frozen above the bed. Violet, purple, white or pink, alliums bring unique height and graphic structure, extend the bulb season into early summer and attract pollinators. Planted in autumn, hardy and easy, they come back faithfully every year.

Giant alliums

The stars of the garden. Allium 'Gladiator' and Allium 'Mount Everest' (pure white) raise their huge globes more than a metre high, visible from afar and unbeatable at the back of a border. Allium 'Pinball Wizard' (lilac) offers the widest flower heads. These giants structure a space like living sculptures and create a striking sense of depth among spring flowering plants.

Purple and violet classics

Allium 'Purple Sensation' is the benchmark variety: intense violet globes on slender stems, a must in every garden. Allium 'Purple Rain' (grape violet), Allium 'Miami' (purple) and Star of Persia (Allium christophii, with metallic star-shaped flowers) extend the range of purples with varied textures and sizes. They are the easiest to combine in a border.

Original and botanical alliums

To step off the beaten track. Sicilian honey garlic (Allium siculum) bears drooping cream and purple bells. Blue allium (Allium caeruleum) offers a rare vivid blue. Round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) forms small, very graphic burgundy flower eggs. Allium 'Ping Pong' (late white) closes the season. These botanical species bring diversity and naturalise easily.

Ready-to-plant mixes

For an effortless planted border, the Allium Bulb Garden Mix (multicoloured) and the Allium Purple-White Mix combine several varieties with complementary heights and flowering times. They create a layered, abundant border that flowers for several weeks, and pair naturally with the other spring flower bulbs.

When and how to plant

Allium bulbs are planted in autumn, from September to November, before hard frosts. Bury them at a depth of about three times their height, tip pointing up, in perfectly drained soil: allium hates standing moisture, which rots the bulb. Choose a sunny spot. Flowering takes place from May to July depending on the variety. Let the foliage yellow naturally: it recharges the bulb for the following year. Faded globes remain decorative and can be dried for bouquets.

Allium in the garden and in bouquets

Plant allium in groups of several bulbs for a spectacular massed effect, at the back of a border or dotted among perennials. As its foliage fades after flowering, place it behind lower plants that will hide its decline. It is also an exceptional cut flower, fresh or dried, that lasts a long time in a vase. Hardy and rich in nectar, allium is one of the most decorative cold- and frost-hardy plants, ideal in the garden and for setting up a sunny balcony.