Why wait until the 4th of July fireworks? Plant allium bulbs in your garden and enjoy the show in late spring and early summer!
What do these flowers look like? If you’re not familiar, peek to the photos below; this will give you a visual of how enticing these globe-shaped flower bulbs are. My favorite, and easily one of the most popular of the ornamental alliums, is Allium giganteum and cultivars like ‘Globemaster’ or ‘Purple Sensation’. These are the fireworks for sure…
In addition, other spring and early summer blooming alliums count as showy! One that is on my radar for order and fall planting is Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick allium). Not fireworks like the gigantic 8-10 inch spherical flower heads, but the flowers radiate a unique, tw0-toned, elongated “drumstick” shape (see photo below.)
About Alliums
Bulbs and herbaceous – Although alliums are primarily bulbs, there are a few that are herbaceous and these tend to be summer bloomers. While many of the best-known alliums are spring bloomers, you can keep your garden blooming with allium into fall if you like. With hybridization there are plenty of varieties available, some we will touch upon in this post.
Flowers (deer resistant) – Allium flowers form dense balls of color at the top of strong stems; they make excellent displays in the garden or in bouquets. Flower color ranges from purple, burgundy, lilac, silvery amethyst, pink, blue, to yellow and white. When the flower color expires, you can continue to enjoy the seed heads. The popular late spring blooming alliums share the spotlight with peonies, buddleia, and many perennials to complement a planting plan and the garden.
Allium flowers symbolize good fortune, unity, patience and grace
Hardiness – USDA zones 3-9. This makes them an excellent choice for planting in colder climates.
Exposure – Full to part sun.
Drainage – Must have good drainage.
Care – When herbaceous alliums have finished blooming, prune spent flowers. This will keep the plants looking neat, and may also encourage a second flush of flowers. For allium bulbs it’s important to the foliage die back naturally. Like all bulbs, the foliage recycles energy back into the bulb which is important for next years flowers. Pair them with spikes or other large-leaved perennials to hide any decaying foliage. Once the foliage has yellowed and withered, you can clean it up with a gentle tug.
Bulb planting – Plant allium bulbs in fall and reap the flowering rewards the following spring. For a natural look, plant bulbs in casual groupings in clusters of 5 to 9 bulbs. Space bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart to allow plenty of room to grow. You can dig one large hole – big enough to accommodate an entire group of bulbs, or dig a series of smaller holes and plant each bulb in the group individually. Either way, the results are the same.
Late Spring/Summer Allium Photos
Allium. Bloomington, Indiana. May 2023
Allium. Bloomington Indiana, May 2023
Allium at Wonder Lab garden, Bloomington, IN. June 2023
Groupings of tall stems with bright white 6-inch flowers of Allium ‘Mount Everest.’ Also in the garden spring blooming peonies and iris. Wonder Garden, Bloomington, IN. June 2023.
Another photo of Allium ‘Mount Everest.’ So nice to enjoy this garden as a whole while also admiring the see through lollipop like flowers of the allium groupings. Wonder Garden, Bloomington, IN. June 2023
Small grouping of allium in a front garden. Bloomington, IN. June 2023
SEED HEADS are interesting and add architectural interest. Depending on your climate, they can last right through early fall. IU campus. June 2023
Pompom, pink-mauve flowers of Allium schoenoprasum (chives). Both flowers and leaves are edible. Very nice in small groups and in large drifts. Grows 12-24 inches tall. Herbaceaus perennial.
Curbside appeal of Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick allium) with two-toned, egg shaped flower heads with raspberry on top and green below. Grows about 24-36 inches tall. Foliage: Long, narrow, grass-like leaves that die back after flowering. Plant bulb in fall about 4 inches deep. Cut flowers: long lasting in arrangements. Multiplies and returns year after year. Bloomington, June 20, 2023
Parking strip planting with (possibly) Allium ‘Summer Beauty.’ A herbaceous allium. IU campus. June 2023
The tall stems and spherical flower heads of these four giant alliums popped while looking up to the house. Interesting sculptural touch, even with just a few seed heads! Bloomington, IN, June 2023
Popular Alliums:
Allium ‘Giganteum’ – Giant allium is a force and like a lollipop in the garden.
Allium ‘Globemaster’ – Large spherical flower heads that are robust and long lasting. Typical flower color is a deep, rich purple. This cultivar has the largest flower of ‘Giganteum.’
Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ – This allium tends to bloom a little earlier than ‘Giganteum’ and has more intense color. Globe-shaped flower heads are a bright, vivid purple, that measures 6-8 inches.
Allium ‘Mount Everest’ – Bright-white 6-inch spherical flower head on tall stems. For the best visual impact, plant at least 10 to 15 bulbs in a group.
Allium sphaerocephalon – Drumstick allium. Flower is unique, elongated. Color is dark purple, crimson or deep reddish-purple.
Allium ‘Millenium’ – Attractive perennial with shiny deep-green grassy foliage. This hybrid allium blooms in mid-summer with large, purple globes 4-6 inches lasting several weeks. Mature plants will have dozens of flowers.
Allium Schubertii – Starburst-like, spiky star shaped ball about 4-6 inches across. The individual flowers radiate outward, creating a fountain like or explosive effect.
Hope you enjoyed this post!