Next to the daffodil I haven’t found any spring blooming bulbs that are as reliable and as easy to grow as Ornamental Alliums. I bought a package of bulbs from my church for some one of their fundraisers several years ago, and they have been coming back every year, even through the worst winters.
Ornamental Alliums
This particular group called Allium Purple Sensation, cost me only $15 and I think there were about 15 or so bulbs in the bag. I planted them in mass to show them off. One of the things I love about them, other than their beauty, is that they are deer and rodent resistant. That’s a big bonus for me.
They require no maintenance, bloom for a long time and make great cut flowers for arrangements. Even the seeds heads look great.
Alliums come in a variety of sizes colors from white to shades of purple and even a pretty blue one I found here. With names like giant, drumstick and fireworks, alliums have the variety and perseverance I look for in a garden plant.
Technically alliums all are edible, however the ornamental ones probably don’t taste as good as their cousins, Allium schoenoprasum, commonly known as the garden chive, or Allium sativum, aka garlic.
I highly recommend you add some to your fall planting. As long as the ground hasn’t frozen you can plant these ornamental onions as a sure bet for spring beauty. Plant them at a depth about three times their size. Give them a good watering, mark the area if you wish, and walk away. It’s that easy.
About Patti Estep
Alliums are one of my “must haves” for the garden. I love them too!
Thanks for sharing this on What’s Blooming This Week.
I saw some of the large Allium bulbs yesterday while shopping … now I”m regretting not purchasing them! THis is a great article – thank you for sharing.
Thank you Bren!
So, you do not have trouble with squirrels digging them up?
I want aliums so badly but they never came up!
Hi Kim,
I never have problems with squirrels digging up my alliums and there are plenty of them around. However, we also have a ton of acorns so maybe that keeps them happy? Somewhere I remember hearing that you can use chicken wire to prevent critters from digging up your bulbs maybe you can try that idea.