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Plant Profile: Ornamental Alliums

Groton Garden Club
Plant profile on ornamental Alliums, a fall planted bulb that bring dramatic blooms to your garden in the spring through the summer

Ornamental alliums, members of the Allium genus, are cherished for their stunning spherical flower heads that rise elegantly above the foliage, adding drama and charm to gardens. While closely related to their culinary counterparts, ornamental alliums are primarily grown for their aesthetic appeal, offering a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes to suit various garden designs. Add some drama to your garden and plant alliums this fall. 


Ornamental alliums typically feature tall, sturdy stems ranging from 12 inches to over 3 feet in height, crowned by large, globe-shaped flower heads. The flowers of ornamental alliums form dense umbels comprised of numerous individual florets. These blooms can vary in color from delicate pastels to vibrant purples, blues, pinks, and whites. Most ornamental alliums boast slender, strap-like leaves that emerge from the base of the plant, providing an attractive backdrop to the striking flowers.

 

Ornamental alliums thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They prefer slightly alkaline soil conditions but are adaptable to a wide range of soil types. Bulbs are planted in autumn, at a depth of 3 to 4 times the diameter of the bulb. Proper spacing allows for good air circulation and prevents overcrowding. Ornamental alliums are relatively low-maintenance plants. Regular watering during the growing season and a balanced fertilizer application in spring promotes healthy growth and prolific flowering. While ornamental alliums are generally resistant to pests and diseases, they may occasionally encounter issues such as aphids, slugs, and botrytis (gray mold).

 

Popular Varieties

Allium giganteum: Known for its impressive height and large, spherical purple flower heads, Allium giganteum is a favorite among gardeners seeking a bold focal point.

 

Allium gigantism tall purple and white flowers

 

Allium 'Purple Sensation': This popular cultivar features dense, deep purple flower heads atop tall stems, adding a vibrant splash of color to garden borders and beds.


Allium purple sensation close up photo of its flower

 

Allium 'Globemaster': Renowned for its enormous flower heads, 'Globemaster' produces striking purple blooms that can measure up to 10 inches in diameter, creating a spectacular display.


row of globemaster allium plants

 

Allium cristophii: Commonly known as the Star of Persia, Allium cristophii showcases silvery-lilac flower heads with a star-like appearance, adding a touch of elegance to garden landscapes.

 

Allium cristophii or star of persia allium flowers

 

Ornamental alliums make excellent additions to garden borders and beds, providing vertical interest and seasonal color often emerging in spring and providing visual interest after flowers are spent. The long-lasting blooms of ornamental alliums are prized for floral arrangements, adding height and texture to bouquets and centerpieces. The nectar-rich flowers of ornamental alliums attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to a vibrant and biodiverse garden ecosystem.

 

Ornamental alliums are prized for their striking beauty, architectural form, and ease of cultivation. Whether planted en masse for a dramatic effect or used as accents in garden borders, these versatile plants never fail to captivate with their dazzling displays of color and form. With their wide range of varieties and adaptable growing requirements, ornamental alliums are a valuable addition to any garden, adding grace and charm to outdoor spaces throughout the growing season.

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