Allium sphaerocephalon

("Drumsticks")

Allium sphaerocephalon

Plant at least 25 of these small bulbs among low-growing perennial plants such as Hosta, Alchemilla or ornamental grasses. Its compact inflorescence (scented) also remains decorative after its color fades. It naturalizes easily.

What You Need To Know Before You Plant:

When Will This Flower Bloom?

Very late Spring - Early Summer

When Should I Buy and Plant These Bulbs?

Fall

What Kind of Light Does This Bulb Prefer?

Full sun

What Color Will the Flower Be?

Reddish purple

How Far Apart Should I Plant These Bulbs?

2 in / 5 cm

How Deep Should I Dig?

4 in / 10 cm

How Tall Will It Grow?

20-24 in / 50-60 cm

Recommended Number of Bulbs Per Square Foot?

20

Is It Deer/Critter Resistant?

Yes

How Can I Best Use It in My Landscaping?

In borders, perennial gardens and as fresh cut- and dried flowers.

What Should I Do After Flowering?

After they have finished blooming let the foliage die back naturally (to build up energy reserves within the bulb) and only remove the dead foliage once it has completely separated from the bulbs. You can either deadhead the finished blooms or allow them to dry and let the seeds be blown to other parts of your garden. Eventually they too will produce new alliums. Even the dried flowers are still quite decorative for a while and after 4-6 weeks you can easily pull them loose (don't force it) and bring them indoors as a dried bouquet. Leave the bulbs in the ground and fertilize them with bonemeal, bulb booster or 10-10-20 early every Spring when the foliage begins to emerge again. Divide and replant them early Fall after they become overcrowded (and flowering diminishes) after 8-10 years.

Other Popular Varieties

Species only.

About the Family

Allium Family

Many hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a modest few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The genus, Allium also includes important plants used for human consumption such as onions, leeks, shallots and the familiar cooking herb, chives.

Read More About the Family