Plant allium bulbs from September to December. If needed, keep them in their open packets somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until planting.
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This charming species reaches 50cm and ends with a small umbel that’s round or spherical. The umbel is incredible because it packs in countless flowers that turn from green through to reddish- or rose-purple, when they attain their full beauty. Watch Allium sphaerocephalon (sometimes called drumsticks or drumstick alliums) in fascination as their colours change from the top down until they’re fully developed in high summer. They look equally fine in rock gardens, open fields or flower beds. Easy to grow and maintain, Allium sphaerocephalon are excellent choices for any gardening enthusiast. And this will be one of your first choices when you want to fill your vase!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade. Improve heavy soil with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost with good drainage.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards, two to three times their own height deep. A slightly flattened side is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Space small bulbs around 5cm apart. Larger bulbs need more room, generally around twice their own width apart, so their foliage and flowers can develop freely.
Water after planting if the soil is dry, then only when needed. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. Decorative seedheads can remain in place.
- Botanical name
- Allium sphaerocephalon
- Flower colour
- Purple, green
- Bulb size
- 7/+
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Meadows
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- Skin/eyes irritant
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Naturalising
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Allium sphaerocephalon reviews
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