Learn about Alliums

Although there are several hundred varieties of Alliums, only a few are offered to the consumer for growing in gardens and containers. The varieties that are available do, when flowering, provide a point of interest for all garden aspects and colour schemes. Whether you choose one of the most popular varieties of Allium, which is Allium Purple sensation or in our opinion a very spectacular variety such as Allium Christophii, you will definitely enjoy them when they flower. When choosing and planting alliums try and plant in groups of at least 3 or 5 bulbs as they do look much better in clumps. The best variety for container planting is Allium Ivory Queen as its flowers are a creamy white and it is one of the shorter alliums available from our listing. 

Alliums can also be used for naturalising in grassland or similar areas, however please note that as they do not flower until late (May-June) you will not be able to cut the grass until they die back in July  If this is not a problem then we recommend this as an ideal way to enjoy the taller varieties of Alliums. 

Cultivation
Prepare the soil prior to planting by cultivating up to 30cm of soil, on heavier soils add a couple of handfuls of grit under each Allium bulb before planting to improve drainage. Alliums grow well in most soil types but do prefer to be planted in well-drained sunny spots. The bulbs of Alliums vary tremendously in size so the best advice on planting depth is to plant Allium bulbs at a depth of three to four time their depth in the soil. On light soils, increase the planting depths to help anchor the taller varieties. The soil around Alliums should be kept moist during the flowering period.

Flowering
Alliums will flower from May through to June and are an ideal filler between spring flowering bulbs and the early varieties of summer flowering bulbs such as lilies and dahlias. The leaves of Alliums are not that striking and in some varieties start to turn brown as the plant starts to flower, we thus recommend that lower planting is used with Alliums to cover the lower leaves. After flowering, leave the stem and leaves to return energy to the bulb for the following year. At this time it is also beneficial to feed with a proprietary brand of fertiliser which contains fish, blood and bone meal or similar.

Alliums in pots
Alliums are easy to grow so are ideal for containers. Alliums will add height and thus a point of interest to all containers. They also flower in May-June so are ideal to add colour after the tulips and daffodils have flowered and before many of the summer flowering bulbs are flowering. Planting around the base of the containers at this time with summer bedding will also make the container a focal point (it will also hide the leaves of the Alliums which are not always the best looking parts).

To plant in pots ensure you have a sturdy deep container (the height and weight of alliums will cause smaller containers to topple over), put crocks in the bottom to allow for drainage and then add about 10cms of potting compost. Place the Allium bulbs on top of the compost so that they are not touching the outside pot or each other. Cover with at least 20cms of potting compost and firm down. During the winter months ensure the compost is kept moist but not too wet and protect from frost. When you see the first signs of growth in the spring (March-April) increasing the amount of water to ensure the compost does not dry out. 

Over wintering
Alliums can be left undisturbed from year to year and as long as they are well fed will continue to flower. If you do need to lift them wait until the flower stems and leaves have turned brown and break off when touched. The bulbs can then be dug up (around July) and after they have been cleaned of soil, left in a cool light place until they can be planted again in September. Only replant bulbs that look healthy and of a good size.

Buy Alliums here