Plant allium bulbs from September to December. If needed, keep them in their open packets somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until planting.
'Gladiator Sensation'
Allium 'Gladiator Sensation' is an improved form of the much-loved Allium 'Gladiator', keeping all that impressive height and sculptural presence, but with a slightly deeper purple that gives the whole display a richer, more refined look. Its tall, upright stems carry large, rounded flower heads packed with tiny starry florets, creating those bold globe silhouettes that alliums do so well. In late spring to early summer, Allium 'Gladiator Sensation' rises elegantly above borders, adding rhythm, colour and a pleasing sense of occasion without looking remotely overdone. Plant it among grasses, peonies, salvias or fresh green perennials, where the deeper violet-purple tones can really sing.
For gardeners who already admire the classic 'Gladiator', Allium 'Gladiator Sensation' offers a subtle but worthwhile step up: familiar in form, but a touch more intense in colour and polish. It is particularly effective when planted in groups, allowing the rounded blooms to float through the planting like carefully placed punctuation marks. Bees and other pollinators are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, while the seed heads remain handsome long after the colour has faded. Give Allium 'Gladiator Sensation' a sunny spot with free-draining soil and it will reward you with strong, architectural beauty. Bold, elegant and just a little more sumptuous, Allium 'Gladiator Sensation' is a splendid upgrade for the early summer garden.
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 'Gladiator Sensation'
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Bulb size
- 18/+
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 25 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
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- Skin/eyes irritant
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.